STATIC STABILITY – 21129

Static stability is the ability of a robot to maintain its balance while standing still. A robot with two or three legs, or that rolls on two wheels, usually has poor static stability. It might be all right as long as it is moving, but when it comes to rest, it can easily fall over. A bicycle is an example of a machine with good dynamic stability (it is all right while rolling), but poor static stability (it will not stand up by itself when at rest).

For a two-legged or three-legged robot to have excellent static stability, it needs a sense of balance. You can stand still and not fall over, because you have this sense. If your sense of balance is upset, you will topple. It is difficult to build a good sense of balance into a two-wheeled or twolegged robot. However, it has been done, and although the technology is expensive, it holds promise for the future.