Tron 1: Multimodal bipedal robot for research and development
The Tron-1 robot from LimX Dynamics has interchangeable feet. This makes it ideal for testing different motion control systems for robots.
The Tron 1 is supplied with three different feet that can be fitted by the user.
(Image: LimX Dynamics)
The bipedal robot Tron 1 from Chinese robotics company LimX Dynamics looks suspiciously similar to the AT-ST fighter from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi". But that's about it for similarities because the Tron 1 is primarily intended to be a test platform for the bipedal motion control of robots. It can be equipped with different feet for this purpose. If you are not a scientist and still want one, you will have to dig deep into your pockets: Starting at 15,000 US dollars for the standard version, the Tron 1 from LimX is on offer.
The bipedal Tron 1 is the successor to the LimX P1, which still only had the typical knobbly round feet and was also offered as a research platform. Tron 1 now comes with three different feet as standard, which can be exchanged by the user with a little screwing. LimX's range includes round rubber knobbly feet (Point-Foot), platform-like feet that imitate humanoid feet (Sole) and wheels (Wheeled). The three types of feet thus cover most of the shapes for the movement of a bipedal robot. The round feet are more suitable for fast walking, the platform feet for the development of humanoid robot locomotion and the wheels for fast progress on flat surfaces combined with a leg movement for climbing stairs, for example.
The Tron 1 has a robust design so that it does not suffer damage every time it tips over when trying out new algorithms for motion control. Its housing consists largely of aluminum and plastic parts. At 85.4 cm tall, the robot is quite small and weighs 20 kg.
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Automatic foot recognition
The robot is controlled by a 12th generation Intel Core i3 processor, which takes over the onboard motion control. Depending on the foot section fitted, the robot should be able to recognize which control method needs to be used for each foot. The robot can navigate autonomously – provided that the Python programming language is used to program the corresponding control software. A human operator can also control the Tron 1 remotely using the remote control supplied. LimX promises that the robot is already capable of walking and rolling out of the box.
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Additional hardware can be connected to the robot. It has connections for cameras, radar, lidar and robot arms, for example. The functionality of Tron 1 can therefore be expanded. A lithium-ion battery should then keep it alive for around 1.5 hours.
The education version also includes an RGBD camera, a readable inertial measurement unit (IMU) with various sensors as well as expansion ports and a 24 V power output. There are also SDK tools, data visualization and simulation tools.
Interested parties can already make a reservation to purchase the Tron 1. The standard edition will then be available for 15,000 dollars. The price for the education version is available from the manufacturer on request.
(olb)
