Ballbots

Ballbots are a type of spherical robot that navigates by rolling. Their primary mode of locomotion involves actively controlling the movement of an internal mass to shift the robot's center of gravity, inducing a roll. This allows them to move across various terrains, including smooth surfaces and somewhat uneven ground. The design of ballbots often prioritizes compactness and maneuverability.

The internal mechanism typically consists of a motor that drives a heavy rotor or a system of movable masses. By accelerating and decelerating these masses in specific directions, the robot can precisely control its orientation and subsequently its direction of travel. This method of propulsion is inherently dynamic and requires sophisticated control algorithms to maintain stability and execute desired movements.

Ballbots have applications in areas such as exploration, reconnaissance, and entertainment. Their unique form factor allows them to access confined spaces that wheeled or legged robots might struggle with. Research into ballbot technology continues to focus on improving their agility, speed, and ability to handle more challenging environments. Development also addresses power efficiency and the integration of sensors for navigation and data collection.