Hasta La Ideas

“Wheels and legs each have their advantages, so why not combine both?” writes the Electrical & Computer Engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. That’s where associate professor Joohyung Kim developed this Ringbot, a robot with a bizarre form factor: Two independent “legs” riding inside a hubless wheel.

It can drive around with its legs in the air, using them for balance and steering:

If it falls down, it can stand itself back up:

It can prevent itself from being knocked over:

It can perform stationary turns in tight spaces:

As for its purpose, it appears to be pure research, though the school does suggest one unlikely-seeming application: “The robot’s ability to maneuver through narrow spaces means this design can be adapted for last-mile deliveries in congested environments.” My suggestion: Fit a hot pizza in the hub space and have the legs ride outboard.

Full presentation video below: