journal article·2025-09-12Open access

Tetrahedral Mobile Robots: A Systematic Literature Review

Anca-Corina Simerean, Mihai Olimpiu Tătar

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 18

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review of the evolution and characteristics of mobile robots with a tetrahedral structure—a category of robots with high potential in fields such as space exploration, emergency response, and the inspection of hard-to-reach environments. The study is based on the examination of 27 relevant scientific articles selected from 4 international databases and aims to answer three essential research questions: what types of locomotion are used, what practical applications are targeted, and what challenges arise in the design of such systems. Following the quality assessment of the studies, a total of 20 articles were ultimately retained for the literature analysis. The analysis highlights a variety of locomotion strategies—among which rolling is the most common—as well as structural solutions tailored to specific use scenarios. Additionally, a range of technical challenges is identified, including stability control, the complexity of extension mechanisms, and sensor integration. This paper provides a clear overview of technological progress in the field and outlines useful directions for future research.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Modular Robots and Swarm Intelligence · Robotic Path Planning Algorithms · Optimization and Search Problems

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Mechatronics and Machine Dynamics, Faculty of Automotive, Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

European University of Technology, European Union

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