Inspired by the fastest land mammal, a robot called the Cheetah, which was developed by researchers at MIT, could be used in rescue missions and in hostile environments.
The robot, which has been funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is able to run at speeds over 10 mph, jump 16 inches in the air and run for 15 minutes. All this is done while using less power than a microwave.
"This is kind of a Ferrari in the robotics world, like we have to put all the expensive components and make it really that instinctive. That's the only way to get that speed," said MIT professor Sangbae Kim.
According to MIT's latest video, the key to the robot's speed and agility is how hard its feet hit the ground while moving. The researchers have been able to develop an algorithm that enables them to have control over the force that is exerted by the robot's feet. The higher the force, the faster the robot runs.
In developing the algorithm, researchers were also able to figure out how to make it run over different types of terrain, including grass, while still maintaining balance, which is important for the robot to maintain while clearing obstacles.
"When the robot is running, at every step, we calculate the appropriate amount of the force to the legs so that the robot can balance itself," said MIT scientist Hae-Won Park.
The robot doesn't just look cool, however. The research and insight that has been acquired through the project could also have real world applications, such as in the development of prosthetics and all-terrain wheelchairs.
While the robot certainly is not as graceful as a real cheetah, it is still being developed. The next stage is getting the robot to gallop, which means that different feet will hit the ground at different times. It also means all four feet will leave the ground at points in the gallop.
While the robot currently reaches speeds more than 10 mph, researchers anticipate it will soon reach 30 mph, which is faster than any human can run.
The current version of the robot is five years in the making, with prototypes having broken dozens of legs made by 3D printers. The legs are reinforced by Kevlar strips and carbon fiber, making them strong, lightweight and able to absorb the forces that come with running and jumping. Each of the legs is attached to three motors which are able to generate powerful force at slower speeds.
"In the next 10 years, our goal is we are trying to make this robot to save a life," continued Kim.
