'Cheetah-cub', a robot that runs like a cheetah - 20minutos.es

Thanks to its feet, which faithfully reproduces the morphology design feline the new robot ‘cheetah-cub’ (cheetah cub) has the same advantages as their model is small, light and fast .

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Although no head, you can tell what kind of animal it is: the robot undoubtedly was inspired by a cat. Powered by the Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL (Biorob), the ‘cheetah-cub “, a prototype small quadruped robot, described in an article published in the International Journal of Robotics Research.

The aim of its promoters is promote research in biomechanics , and its special feature is the design of its legs, which makes it very fast and stable. Robots developed from this concept could eventually be used in search and rescue missions or exploration.

This robot is the fastest in its category , ie normalized speed for small quadruped robots below 30 kilo. During testing, has demonstrated its ability to travel almost seven times the body length in one second.

Although not as agile as a real cat, it does have excellent self-stabilization features when running at full speed or on a course that includes disturbances such as small steps. Furthermore, the robot is extremely lightweight, compact and robust and can be easily assembled from materials that are cheap and readily available.

machine strengths lie in the design of its legs. The researchers developed a new model for this robot, which is based on careful observation and faithful reproduction of the paw of a cat . The number of segments (three per leg) and their proportions are the same as found in a cat. The springs are used to play the tendons and actuators, small motors that convert energy into motion, are used to replace the muscles.

class=”imp”> The same laboratory has also developed a salamander robot and a robot lamprey “This gives the robot morphology mechanical properties that benefit cats, ie a capacity remarkable performance and flexibility in the right places, to ensure stability, “explains Alexander Sprowitz a Biorob científicode. “The robot is thus naturally more autonomous.”

Biorob According to the director, Auke Ijspeert, this invention is the logical continuation of the research done in the laboratory that locomotion robot includes a robot salamander and lamprey .

“It’s still experimental, but the long-term goal of feline robot is to be able to develop ground-hugging machines, quick and agile for use in the exploration, eg for search and rescue natural disasters “, explained