Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Step Climbing Apparatus
Categories for this Invention
Category – Robotics & Automation
Applications – Construction Sites, Rescue Operations
Industry – Agriculture Technology (AgTech), Construction and Infrastructure
Market – Global automatic stair climbing wheelchair market size is estimated to grow by USD 818 million, at a CAGR of 13.1% between 2023 and 2028.
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Problem Statement
- Conventional equipment cannot navigate the stepped and sloped terraces, leading to reduced farming productivity and manual labor.
- Current climbing technologies are complex, bulky, expensive, and lack stability and adaptability for steep slopes.
- Autonomous agricultural robots are effective only on flat terrains and do not address the unique challenges of step farming.
Technology
- Advanced Climbing Mechanism: The step climbing apparatus features a gear train, telescopic slider unit, and a four-bar linkage system to enable efficient traversal of steps and steep slopes up to 90 degrees, enhancing mobility and stability on uneven terrains.
- Active Control for Stability: The apparatus includes an active control mechanism and vibration-dampening features to prevent tilting and damage to the payload, ensuring stable operation while climbing and navigating irregular surfaces.
- Versatile Applications: Designed for terraced agricultural fields, the apparatus can also be utilized in construction, industrial processes, and rescue operations, offering robust performance in challenging environments.
Key Features / Value Proposition
1. Efficient Terrain Navigation:
- Advanced gear train and telescopic slider system enable smooth traversal of steps and steep slopes.
2. High Stability and Control:
- Integrated active control mechanism and vibration-dampening features prevent tilting and damage, ensuring reliable performance on uneven terrains.
3. Robust Climbing Capabilities:
- Capable of climbing steep slopes up to 90 degrees with precision, addressing challenges in steep agricultural and industrial environments.
4. Enhanced Mobility:
- Four-bar linkage system and curved blade wheels optimize traction and maneuverability, facilitating efficient operation on irregular surfaces.
5. Versatile Application:
- Adaptable design for use in agriculture, construction, and rescue operations, providing a broad range of applications in various industries.
6. Durable and Reliable:
- Built with robust components and self-locking gears, ensuring long-term durability and consistent performance in demanding conditions.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Rengaswamy Jayaganthan
Department of Engineering Design
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 2591
- IN 542650 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 4
Technology validated in lab scale.