Engineers at Caltech have unveiled a remarkable new machine: a robot called ATMO, or the aerially transforming morphobot. ATMO isn’t just a drone or a ground vehicle—it can switch between flying and rolling while still in the air. This new way of transforming gives ATMO an agility and flexibility that stands out in the world of robotics.
Design and Movement
ATMO is built with four powerful propellers, allowing it to soar like a traditional quadcopter drone. But what truly sets it apart is its clever design. Surrounding each propeller is a protective ring, known as a shroud. When ATMO needs to switch modes, these shrouds don’t just protect—they become wheels. A single motor at the robot’s core bends its structure, pulling the arms into a new shape. In one swift move, ATMO’s flying configuration shifts into a form ready to roll along the ground.
No part goes unused. When airborne, the shrouds help steady the propellers and shield them from damage. A moment later, those same parts touch down gently and carry ATMO smoothly across the ground. All it takes is the coordinated action of its center motor—nothing more.
The Power of Mid-Air Transformation
Most robots that try combining flight and ground movement have an important limitation: they must stop flying before they can roll. This often means finding a stable place to land and pausing all activity, which can be a major obstacle when the ground is rough or unpredictable. If a robot can’t land cleanly, it may even become stuck, wasting precious time and energy.
ATMO overcomes this by morphing itself while it is still in the air. It glides into its new shape before touching the ground, ready to drive forward the moment its wheels reach the earth. This means no interruptions and no loss of momentum. The result is a machine capable of handling uncertain terrain, easily shifting from flight to rolling wherever its mission requires.
Nature’s Influence
To build ATMO, the Caltech team looked closely at nature. They studied birds and other animals that shift the shape of their bodies in mid-flight, adapting to changes in their environment. Birds instinctively tuck their wings or shift their legs to prepare for landing, or to slip through narrow spaces. In the same way, ATMO reshapes itself to master both the air and the ground.
This inspiration leads to a robot that is more independent and resilient. Its control system quietly manages the transformation, listening to sensors and making adjustments so that each shift—whether launching into flight or touching down to roll—is precise and natural.
What Lies Ahead
The versatility of ATMO points toward a wide range of uses. Imagine a robot able to deliver packages through city airspaces, before gliding down to roll along sidewalks and up to doorways. Or picture an explorer machine, searching disaster zones or unknown terrains, gliding over rubble and then rolling in close to investigate hidden spaces—never stopped by a change in the landscape.
Every transition is smooth, every journey undisturbed by rough ground or unexpected barriers. For teams developing new tasks for robots, ATMO opens up new paths and pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
Honoring a New Chapter in Robotics
ATMO’s design is more than a clever mechanism; it is a testament to thoughtful engineering and a deep understanding of nature’s solutions. By offering the ability to shift modes mid-air, it redefines how machines can serve people and adapt to a changing world. This advancement marks a major step forward, promising robotic systems that are ever more robust, resourceful, and ready for the challenges ahead.
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