Abstract

The ability of an autonomous robot to adapt to different terrain affords the flexibility to
move successfully in a range of environments. This paper proposes the Cylindabot, a transformable
Wheg robot that can move with two large wheels, each of which can rotate out, producing three legs.
This ability to change its mode of locomotion allows for specialised performance. The Cylindabot has
been tested in simulation and on a physical robot on steps and slopes as an indication of its efficacy
in different environments. These experiments show that such robots are capable of climbing up to a
32 degree slope and a step 1.43 times their initial height. Theoretical limits are devised that match the
results, and a comparison with existing Wheg platforms is made.