Advantages & Disadvantages
Insects have given man a huge insight into future robotics, but there are some disadvantages, as well as advantages, in relation to the robotic tripod gait structure. Advantageously, in comparison to tracked and wheeled forms of transport, tripod-walking locomotion is not restricted to rough/ uneven parts of terrain and is capable of choosing the best placement for the foothold. Being adaptive to uneven terrains, the six-legged system can arrange the legs, shortening and lengthening, in relation to the changes in surface levels. Being adaptive to the surface also allows them to jump and avoid obstacles.
The tripod-walking system also provides active suspension, in comparison to other forms on transport, allowing the style of locomotion to have force control through the foothold points (Erden, 2006)
Deleterious, the six-legged system is limited in performance due to the isolation of inappropriate footholds. This legged system of locomotion though is the most advantageous system is mechanical movement. As well as providing stability, mobility and suspension, it applies less damage to a surface compared to tracked and wheeled forms of locomotion (Erden, 2006).
The tripod-walking system also provides active suspension, in comparison to other forms on transport, allowing the style of locomotion to have force control through the foothold points (Erden, 2006)
Deleterious, the six-legged system is limited in performance due to the isolation of inappropriate footholds. This legged system of locomotion though is the most advantageous system is mechanical movement. As well as providing stability, mobility and suspension, it applies less damage to a surface compared to tracked and wheeled forms of locomotion (Erden, 2006).