| 摘要 |
A modular robot comprises a plurality of mutually connectable modules 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 comprising first and second components, a motor to move the first component relative to the second, and a controller to control operation of the motor. The modules 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 further comprise a first 21 and a second connector 22, wherein the connectors of respective modules are inter-engageable to connect the modules end-to-end. The modules may further be in the form of; i) a bending module 8, wherein the first component 27 pivots about an axis perpendicular to a direction from the first to the second connector, ii) an extending module 2, wherein the first component (Fig 6, 51) telescopes from within the second (Fig 6, 52), iii) a widening module 4 to increase the modules width by movement of the first component (Fig 12, 95, Fig 14, 112, Fig 16, 132), iv) a locomotion module 5, wherein the first component comprises a rotable wheel (Fig 8, 73), or v) a twisting module 7, wherein the first component (Fig 4, 32) rotates relative to the second (Fig 4, 31) about an axis in a direction from the first to the second connector. Such a modular robot may be utilised in application of insulation, paint etc. in small or cramped spaces, such as the under-floor void (Fig 19, 182) of a house, wherein access may be gained via an air vent (Fig 19, 185) or other small passage. |
