Sea urchin-style robot challenges the future of machine design

A 20-legged robot developed by Duke University researchers may change how scientists think about robot design, moving away from machines modelled on humans, dogs or insects and toward forms based on mathematical symmetry.

Sea urchin-style robot challenges the future of machine design. A 20-legged robot developed by Duke University researchers may change how scientists think about robot design, moving away from machines modelled on humans, dogs or insects and toward forms based on mathematical symmetry. The robot, named Argus, has no front or back and can move in any direction. Argus has 20 telescoping legs arranged around a central body, with a depth camera at each leg tip. The researchers named it after the all-seeing monster from Greek mythology. The design allows the robot to stabilise itself after being pushed, cross rough terrain, carry a 4.5kg payload and climb walls. “Watching Argus move is unlike watching any other robot we’ve worked with,” said Jiaxun Liu, a Duke doctoral student and co-author of the study. The team arrived at the design after run...