multiterrain

Multiterrain refers to the capability of a system to operate across a broad range of terrains and environmental conditions. For vehicles and robots, this means moving across surfaces from paved roads and gravel to sand, mud, snow, ice, and uneven or cluttered terrain, as well as negotiating obstacles and changes in elevation. Multiterrain performance combines locomotion, stability, sensing, and energy management to maintain mobility as the terrain changes.

Design approaches include selecting appropriate locomotion modes—wheeled, tracked, legged, or hybrid—and implementing adaptable suspension, traction control, and drive systems. Perception and planning are critical, with terrain estimation, path planning, and gait selection enabling transitions between surfaces while maintaining balance and efficiency.

Applications span military reconnaissance, disaster response, and search-and-rescue missions, agricultural automation, and exploratory robotics such as planetary rovers and water-landing platforms. Consumer devices, such as floor-cleaning robots and autonomous vacuums, also commonly address multiple indoor terrains.

Key challenges involve energy efficiency and range, grip variation across surfaces, handling slopes and obstacles, payload limits, weather exposure, and sensor reliability in harsh environments. Robustness and maintainability are essential for real-world multiterrain operation.

Related concepts include all-terrain mobility, amphibious and hybrid vehicles, legged and tracked robotics, and terrain-aware control systems.