Compression Test
Two distinct compression tests were performed. The compression tests assessed the robot's ability to remain functional after being significantly compressed. Each test evaluated the robot with compression in both the inflated and uninflated states.
Test 1: The robot was compressed by 145 pounds of weight.
Observations: The robot remained functional after compression.
Test 2: The robot was run over by a minivan a total of 8 times, 6 times in the uninflated state, and 2 times in the inflated state.
Observations: Following the uninflated portion of the test, the bladders remained functional, robot retained the ability to move forward.
During the final inflated compression, the robot failed because a bladder was pulled through a zip tie used to keep the end of the robot closed.
After all 8 compressions, all 6 bladder sections were still intact but displayed obvious damage. Additionally, the feet were dirty and bent. Following reassembly, the robot was capable of moving forward with diminished step efficiency and form.
Cutting Test
The cutting test evaluates how well the fabric sleeve protects the robot from cuts with a knife. This is to simulate the robot driving over or up against sharp objects.
Observations: The sleeve was slightly damaged; however, none of the strokes cut all the way through the fabric.
Puncture Test/Robot Repair
The puncture test evaluates how well the fabric sleeve protects the robot from pointed objects.
Observations: The fabric sleeve did not offer significant protection against the knife. Time to repair the robot was about 3 minutes.
Over Inflation Test
The purpose of the Over Inflation Test was to determine the internal pressure required for the bladders to pop. This accessed the pressure tolerance of the robot. Standard operating pressure is 4 psi.
Observations: The robot could not be popped because air would leak out where the tubes were inserted into the bladder. The highest internal pressure maintained was 13.8 psi.