biarticulated

Biarticulated is an adjective used to describe devices or systems that incorporate two articulated joints, connecting three aligned segments to permit movement at two hinge points. The term combines bi- (two) with articulated, from Latin articulare (to joint). Biarticulation is often used to describe structures that require both extended length and flexible maneuverability.

In transportation, biarticulated buses are long, three-section vehicles connected by two pivot joints. This design increases passenger capacity while preserving the ability to navigate urban streets. The front and rear sections are typically steerable, with a central section that flexes at the two hinges. Biarticulated buses require specialized depots, longer turning radii, and robust suspension and drive systems, and they are chosen for high-demand routes where space and throughput are critical.

In robotics and industrial mechanisms, biarticulated configurations place two joints along a chain of modules or between major segments. This arrangement provides a larger range of motion and reach, enabling complex manipulation tasks. The added flexibility comes with higher control complexity, dynamic coupling between segments, and greater maintenance requirements, demanding advanced drivers, sensors, and trajectory planning.

In architecture and civil engineering, biarticulation can describe structures or deployable elements with two hinge points, such as foldable booms, retractable canopies, or modular framing that can reconfigure for transportation or assembly. The approach offers increased adaptability and compact storage but requires careful design to ensure stability, wear resistance, and safe operation of the articulated joints.