Articles | Volume 16, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-887-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-887-2025
Research article
 | 
21 Nov 2025
Research article |  | 21 Nov 2025

Research on the structural design and motion characteristics of a self-reconfigurable spherical robot

Kan Shi, Haidong Wang, Dongbin Zhang, and Ran Wang

Related authors

Design and analysis of mobile mechanism based on three-dimensional Hilbert curve
Kan Shi, Ran Wang, Jiachao Liu, Haidong Wang, and Dongbin Zhang
Mech. Sci., 16, 851–876, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-851-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-851-2025, 2025
Short summary
Design of a rehabilitation mechanism based on linkage mechanisms
Kan Shi, Dongbin Zhang, Haidong Wang, and Ran Wang
Mech. Sci., 16, 729–743, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-729-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-729-2025, 2025
Short summary
Design and performance analysis of the 4UPS-RRR parallel ankle rehabilitation mechanism
Kan Shi, Zongjia Wang, Changtao Yan, and Zhiwei Wang
Mech. Sci., 15, 417–430, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-15-417-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-15-417-2024, 2024
Short summary
Structural analysis of ancient Chinese textile mechanisms
Shi-Wu Li, Kan Shi, Ming-Jie Wang, and Yan-An Yao
Mech. Sci., 13, 625–634, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-625-2022,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-625-2022, 2022
Short summary
Simulation and analysis of a single actuated quadruped robot
Changtao Yan, Kan Shi, Haiqiang Zhang, and Yanan Yao
Mech. Sci., 13, 137–146, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-137-2022,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-137-2022, 2022
Short summary

Cited articles

Armour, R. H. and Vincent, J. F. V.: Rolling in nature and robotics: a review, J. Bionic Eng., 3, 195–208, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1672-6529(07)60003-1, 2006. 
Cai, J. G., Xu, Y. X., and Feng, J.: Kinematic analysis of Hoberman's linkages with the screw theory, Mech. Mach. Theory, 63, 28–34, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2013.01.004, 2013. 
Diouf, A., Belzile, B., Saad, M., and St-Onge, D.: Spherical rolling robots – design, modeling, and control: a systematic literature review, Robot. Auton. Syst., 175, 104657, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2024.104657, 2024. 
Dwaracherla, V., Thakar, S., Vachhani, L., Gupta, A., Yadav, A., and Modi, S.: Motion planning for point-to-point navigation of spherical robot using position feedback, IEEE/ASME Trans. Mechatron., 24, 2416–2426, https://doi.org/10.1109/TMECH.2019.2934789, 2019. 
Gu, Y., Zhang, X., Wei, G., and Chen, Y.: Sarrus-inspired deployable polyhedral mechanisms, Mech. Mach. Theory, 193, 105564, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2023.105564, 2024. 
Download
Short summary
We designed a shape-shifting spherical robot that overcomes terrain limitations of traditional rolling designs. It contracts to pass through narrow gaps and expands to cross obstacles. The system combines pendulum-based propulsion, rotor-assisted stabilization, and gear-actuated folding arms. Tests and simulations confirm that it maintains straight paths and adapts well to slopes, voids, and rough ground, making it ideal for search, space, or field tasks.
Share