aiqbench analysis
This research advances soft robotics by demonstrating how high joint density in snake-like mechanisms enables superior obstacle-aided locomotion and energy efficiency compared to conventional rigid-link designs. By decoupling actuators from joints, the study provides a critical architectural insight for developing autonomous systems capable of stable propulsion in complex, unstructured terrains.
Dense-Joint-Based Obstacle-Aided Locomotion with a Joint-Repositionable Snake Robot
arXiv:2609.29261v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Obstacle-aided locomotion is a fundamental capability for snake robots to traverse complex environments. However, conventional rigid-link snake robots often suffer from stagnation or jamming caused by their low joint density (i.e., the number of joints per unit length). This results in discontinuous contact with obstacles, unlike the continuous adaptation of biological snakes. To investigate the effect of joint density on obstacle-aided locomotion performance, we utilized a joint-repositionable snake robot mechanism that decouples actuators from joints, enabling a high-density architecture. We developed two experimental models with identical total lengths but different joint densities (high-density and low-density) and conducted comparative propulsion experiments in obstacle environments with varying obstacle diameters. The experimental results demonstrate that the high-density model substantially suppresses the abrupt shifts in reaction forces that cause stagnation in the low-density model. By maintaining smooth contact points, the high-density configuration reduces power consumption and achieves stable, continuous propulsion. These results highlight high joint density as a key factor in improving the environmental adaptability of snake robots in complex terrains.
Abstract:Obstacle-aided locomotion is a fundamental capability for snake robots to traverse complex environments. However, conventional rigid-link snake robots often suffer from stagnation or jamming caused by their low joint density (i.e., the number of joints per unit length). This results in discontinuous contact with obstacles, unlike the continuous adaptation of biological snakes. To investigate the effect of joint density on obstacle-aided locomotion performance, we utilized a joint-repositionable snake robot mechanism that decouples actuators from joints, enabling a high-density architecture. We developed two experimental models with identical total lengths but different joint densities (high-density and low-density) and conducted comparative propulsion experiments in obstacle environments with varying obstacle diameters. The experimental results demonstrate that the high-density model substantially suppresses the abrupt shifts in reaction forces that cause stagnation in the low-density model. By maintaining smooth contact points, the high-density configuration reduces power consumption and achieves stable, continuous propulsion. These results highlight high joint density as a key factor in improving the environmental adaptability of snake robots in complex terrains.
Robotics (cs.RO)
arXiv:2609.29261 [cs.RO]
(or arXiv:2609.29261v1 [cs.RO] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.29261 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
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Full text under the publisher's open licence · 260 words
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