A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed an innovative drone that not only flies, but can also hop like a grasshopper. The hybrid device, called PogoX, combines a quadcopter with a spring-loaded mechanism. When flight is not necessary or practical, the drone saves energy by switching to ground locomotion, enabling heavy payload transport with minimal power consumption.
Challenges of heavy payloads and energy limitations
Traditional drones typically struggle with energy efficiency and payload capacity. When a drone’s thrust-to-weight ratio (TWR) drops below 1, meaning propeller thrust cannot overcome the combined weight of the drone and its cargo, flight becomes impossible.
The PogoX team addressed this limitation by integrating a spring-loaded leg system. This mechanism allows the drone to store and reuse energy through controlled hopping, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous flight.
Design and Engineering Innovations
PogoX is constructed from a standard quadcopter frame with lightweight 3D-printed components and aluminum legs containing high-performance springs. The springs have a stiffness of 4,848 N/m, which allows for efficient storage and release of vertical energy during jumps. Advanced electronics, including sensors, Pixhawk controller, and LiDAR, enable autonomous navigation and precise adjustments to altitude and speed. The system is powered by a rugged lithium polymer battery, ensuring reliable operation in both flight and ground modes.
Control System: Precision and Stability
PogoX employs cutting-edge control algorithms to manage vertical and horizontal motion. A custom-developed controller stabilizes energy use during vertical jumps, while a “spring-loaded inverted pendulum” model controls horizontal velocity. This dual approach ensures robust performance on both flat and uneven terrain, allowing the drone to dynamically adapt to obstacles or unexpected terrain changes.
Results: Significant Energy Savings
Simulations and real-world testing confirm that PogoX consumes significantly less energy during jumps than during flight. Jumping is more efficient for forward motion, especially at low thrust-to-weight ratios. In trials, the drone demonstrated stable hopping, responsive adjustments to disturbances, and seamless transitions between flight and ground modes.
By combining aerial agility with ground efficiency, PogoX expands the potential applications of drones – especially in scenarios that require heavy payloads or extended operation times. The research team plans to conduct further outdoor testing to improve its navigation capabilities in complex environments.
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