Bionic robots are more than just humanoid robots. Earth is home to thousands of species, each having undergone hundreds of millions of years of adaptation, evolution, and development. This has resulted in certain parts of the organism possessing perfect biological characteristics and optimal structural features. Learning from nature and creating high-performance bionic robots has become a lifelong research focus for many scientists.
(Bionic robot)
What distinguishes bionic robots from other types of robots?
Bionic robots focus more on drawing design inspiration from existing systems in nature, rather than creating new structures through artificial design or optimization (e.g., achieving a streamlined appearance through aerodynamics; or using tracked structures to overcome terrain limitations).
According to this definition, humanoid robots are also a form of biomimetic design. Similarly, there are four-legged robotic dogs and five-fingered robotic hands. Biomimetic systems achieve similar optimized designs in their respective application scenarios by utilizing the results of natural survival of the fittest. For example, mimicking the wing structure of birds yields high dynamic efficiency. Another advantage of biomimetic design is that infrastructure can be used for biomimetic design. Typical examples are humanoid robots or human-made tools.
Bionic robots are mainly divided into land-based bionic robots, air-based bionic robots, and underwater bionic robots.
(1) Land-based bionic robots
In nature, terrestrial organisms employ various methods of locomotion. Therefore, terrestrial biomimetic robots also possess diverse locomotion modes. From a locomotion perspective, terrestrial biomimetic robots can be categorized into biomimetic robots, biomimetic multi-legged locomotion robots, biomimetic snake-like robots, and biomimetic jumping robots. The Japanese wife robot is naturally a type of biomimetic robot.
With the development of control theory, intelligent humanoid robots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and many human activities are now being performed using human-like behaviors. As early as 2013, Boston Dynamics developed its "ATLAS" robot, which can stride confidently along conveyor belts, avoid sudden planks, and take off steadily. Another "pet-human" robot used by the U.S. military for inspections protects itself by mimicking human physiology and has successfully regulated its temperature, humidity, and perspiration.
Another direction for humanoid robots is the research on humanoid arms and fingers. In space exploration, every space station relies on robotic arms, which are also humanoid robots. China's humanoid robot industry started late, but it has indeed developed rapidly in the past decade. However, the technology is by no means lagging behind; in fact, we have caught up in many aspects.
(2) Aerial Bionic Robots
Aerial biomimetic robots primarily mimic birds and insects. Don't underestimate these animals. While humans can fly in airplanes, even venturing into space, have you ever wondered if this mode of flight is perfect? Why has the biological world never flown like this before?
Over hundreds of millions of years of evolution, birds and insects have adapted to Earth's environment, achieving near perfection in morphology, locomotion, and energy utilization. Solving this mystery is the key to a new idea for creating the perfect aircraft.
Currently, research on airborne bionic robots is still in its early stages. Although they can fly, the time and distance are short, and they often require remote control, so their practicality is limited.
(3) Underwater bionic robot
The primary environment on Earth is aquatic. Underwater biomimetic robots have broad application prospects and enormous potential value. Initially, motion control was used to promote movement through undulation, starting with mimicking fish swimming. Currently, the focus is on promoting these robots using novel biomimetic materials and new biomimetic driving modes.
China's underwater robot development is rapid. It has already achieved underwater rapid start-up and turning maneuvers. While it has become a leader in many technologies, it still lags behind biological robots in terms of speed, efficiency, and drag reduction, and there is still significant room for improvement.
