Halluc II is a robotic vehicle with eight legs/wheels designed to drive or walk over rugged terrain. This is the 2nd-generation experimental model of the Hallucigenia project working with Chiba Institute of Technology's Future Robotics Technology Center (fuRo). This transportation robot is 80.5 cm long, weighs 20 kg, and carries seven motors in each leg. Through the coordinated activation of these 56 motors, Halluc II can transform into three different modes: the Vehicle, Insect, and Animal mode. In Vehicle mode, Halluc II drives around on its eight wheels that move freely in all directions, and as it moves over uneven surfaces, each of the legs moves up and down in sync with the terrain to provide a smooth ride that keeps the cab at a constant height. In Insect mode, Halluc II folds its wheels and walks with an insect-like gait, with its legs spread outward from cab. The Animal mode is suitable for narrow spaces as it moves with its legs stretched right under the cab like a mammal. These flexible movements are controlled by spherical cockpit Hull which has been developed in parallel. Wireless LAN capabilities and a system of cameras and sensors are included in Halluc II to monitor the distance to potential obstacles, and refer to Hull. Halluc II and Hull are both on display at Miraikan in Tokyo, and the visitors are able to operate the Halluc II from the remote-control cockpit Hull.
MATERIALS: Extra super duralumin, ABS resin, Acrylic resin, Fiber-reinforced plastic / PROJECT COMPLETED: April 2007 / DESIGN: Shunji Yamanaka / DEVELOPMENT: Future Robotics Technology Center of the Chiba Institute of Technology (fuRo)