In the past few years, we have covered a whole host of robots that use mapping and smart planning to negotiate rough terrain. This Beaver-inspired autonomous robot developed by the University at Buffalo researchers takes a different approach. It monitors and modifies its terrain to move ahead.
Using off-the-shelf components, the team used a mini rover with a camera and robotic arm to lift and move objects. The robot:
uses the algorithms Nils Napp developed to continuously monitor and scan its environment. It picks up bean bags and deposits them in holes and gaps in between the rock, brick and concrete. Eventually the bags form a ramp, which allows the robot to overcome the obstacles and reach its target location, a flat platform.
Pretty clever if you ask us. More info is available here.