A novel traveling wave piezoelectric actuated wheeled robot: design, theoretical analysis, and experimental investigation

Traditional traveling wave robots have strict requirements on the operating interface due to the fact that they usually only work on smooth and flat surfaces, holding the disadvantages of poor load capacity and complex driving mode, and limiting their application range. In order to overcome the above problems, a novel traveling wave piezoelectric actuated wheeled robot is proposed in this study. The robot is composed of a bonded-type piezoelectric actuator and wheel mechanisms. Rotating traveling wave can be produced in the annular parts of the piezoelectric actuator to drive the wheel mechanisms. In order to study the dynamic characteristics of the piezoelectric actuator, an electromechanical coupling model is developed by using the transfer matrix method. Then the prototype of the piezoelectric actuator is fabricated and assembled, and its vibration characteristics are measured to confirm the feasibility of the developed transfer matrix model. Finally, performance evaluation investigations of the proposed traveling wave piezoelectric actuated wheeled robot are conducted. Under the excitation voltages of 350 Vpp and the phase difference of 90°, the robot prototype achieved a step climbing angle of 75°, a maximum no-load velocity of 136.8 mm s−1, and a maximum payload of 320 g. The proposed traveling wave piezoelectric actuated wheeled robot presents expected terrain adaptability and obstacle climbing capability.