Self-balancing cube - GIF

[Altair]

Self-balancing cube using reaction wheels.




Previously:

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda balancing rock - photo
Balancing cruise ship pool table - GIF
Training gyroscope for aircraft maintenance techs - GIF
Peacekeeper inertial guidance unit - photo

[Bony]

Um, why? Because you can I guess.

[mklotz]

Um, why? Because you can I guess.

A satellite in orbit that needs to point in various directions (e.g. a telescope) can use reaction jets powered by a stored compressed gas supply. The problem is that once the gas is exhausted, the satellite is no longer useful; refueling is seldom mechanically or economically possible.

Reaction wheels, being electromechanical devices, can replace the reaction jets. Since they consume only electricity they will continue working as long as the solar cells on the satellite are viable.

[hemmjo]

Ask Asimo why balance is a good thing!

[daniel82]

Um, why? Because you can I guess.

My first thought was use as a self-balancing mechanism in an exo-skeleton suit for paralyzed folk. I saw a TV pilot deeecades ago called 'Exo-Man', about a paralyzed scientist who did just that and went out to do superhero crime-stoppery stuff.