Ghost Robotics Launches Ghost Minitaur, Its First Direct-Drive Legged Robot Platform

Ghost Robotics, LLC, has launched its first direct-drive legged robot platform, named Ghost Minitaur that can easily move across difficult terrains and has been designed for highly-precise force feedback applications.

Ghost Robotics specializes in developing legged, direct drive (gearless) and proprioceptive robots.

Ghost Minitaur is a legged robot that can perceive tactile sensations. It features high torque motors, motor controllers, and a special leg design that helps it run and jump over rough terrain. This medium-sized robot can easily climb fences, while seeing and feeling the surface using its high-resolution encoders. This machine, according to its makers, can be used in a variety of situations including public safety, mining, exploration, military, field survey, and agricultural operations.

“We are extremely excited to be launching our first commercial robot platform, Ghost Minitaur™,” said Gavin Kenneally, Co-founder of Ghost Robotics.

Avik De, Co-founder commented: “This has been a long journey in the conceptualization and development of the robot, and we see many applications for the platform ahead and underlying technology.”

According to Jiren Parikh, Ghost Robotics, CEO, the forward thinking vision of both co-founders was quite impressive.

“The market opportunity for legged robots in operating environments where wheeled or tracked robots have limitations is substantial,” he said.

Features of Ghost Minitaur

– Easy to use

– Versatile legged machine

– Sensor integration

– Unique

Size

– Length (hip to hip): 0.4 m

– Width (toe to toe, standing height): 0.28 m

– Mass: 6 kg

– Payload: 3kg

– Endurance: 20 minutes (heavy use)

Performance

– Running speed: 2.0 m/s

– Turning speed: 1 rad/s

– Sideways crabbing speed: 0.04 m/s

– Vertical jump displacement: 0.48 m

Use Cases

– Gait Research: It is possible to program the four 2DOF legs with a wide variety of gaits.

– Sensor Platform: Minitaur can serve as a perfect sensor platform able to move sensors around in the environment as well as controlling the field of view.

What users Get

– An assembled Minitaur quadrupedal robot

– Arduino-compatible robot microcontroller with micro SD logging

– Robot remote control

– Battery: 4S (16.8V) hardcase LiPo

– Picatinny rail system for payload/sensor/manipulator attachment

– Full operation manual (online) describing basic robot operation as well as custom gait and behavior development and additional sensor integration