Advanced Platform Technology Center
Biologically Inspired Robotics Laboratory (BIRL)
Located at Case Western Reserve University, Glennan 418, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
The Biologically Inspired Robotics Laboratory (BIRL) is directed by Dr. Roger Quinn and consists of approximately 1080 square feet of laboratory and 460 square feet of office space. The lab includes two CNC machines for fabrication of smaller robot components. The lab’s relationship with the Center for Automation and Intelligent Systems Research provides access to a fully equipped machine shop where larger components are fabricated. The laboratory hardware features three biologically based hexapod robots including the stick insect inspired Robot II, and the latest cockroach-like robot, Robot III. Robot III, based on the Blaberus cockroach, has 24 actuated revolute joints. It is a 1:17 scale model of the insect and is 30 inches long and weighs 30 pounds. A compressed air facility has been installed to operate the robot. In addition, the lab contains structural dynamic testing equipment (sensors, DAQ boards, shakers) and an automated treadmill (5 feet by 6 feet) for developing walking robots. The BIRL contains 10 PCs, and a dedicated LAN connected to the campus. Algor Finite Element Analysis software, Mechanical Desktop, and Pro/Engineer are installed for mechanical design and structural analysis. Also, the lab has developed dynamic simulation software for analyzing walking animals and designing walking robots.
