Bosch Rexroth helps walking robot find its legs

The 2.7m tall robot, which resembles a giant insect and can be driven remotely or piloted from the machine’s cockpit, took four years to develop.

Rexroth 4WREE6 valves provide the integral function of controlling the hydraulic cylinders that operate the Mantis’ six legs. Each leg features three independent closed loop axes, one at the knee and two at the hip, with feedback provided by sensors installed on the outside of the leg.

Mantis is the brainchild of chief designer Matt Denton, managing director of Micromagic Systems, who first decided upon the concept and created the computer controls that give the machine its high functionality. These include the ability to move omnidirectionally (forwards/backwards, crab left/right, turn left/right), climb over uneven ground and raise and lower on command.