A few years ago, the MIT Biomimetic Robotics Laboratory, who designed the Cheetah Robot, set a new speed record by reaching speeds of 28.3 mph. This week, MIT has unveiled that they have now taught the robot to cleanly jump obstacles.
The awesome robot is now capable of jumping and avoiding obstacles autonomously thanks to a new algorithm that has been written. Watch the video below to see it in action.
Autonomous Obstacle Navigation
“In a leap for robotic development, the MIT researchers who built a robotic cheetah have now trained it to see and jump over hurdles as it runs — making this the first four-legged robot to run and jump over obstacles autonomously.”
The ability to autonomously navigate obstacles is a significant advancement in robotics. Most robots are designed to follow pre-programmed paths and often struggle with dynamic environments. The MIT Cheetah Robot, however, uses a combination of sensors and sophisticated algorithms to detect and react to obstacles in real-time. This capability is crucial for applications in search and rescue missions, where robots need to navigate through debris and uneven terrain.
Advanced Control and Stability
“Most robots are sluggish and heavy, and thus they cannot control force in high-speed situations,”-“That’s what makes the MIT cheetah so special: You can actually control the force profile for a very short period of time, followed by a hefty impact with the ground, which makes it more stable, agile, and dynamic.”
The MIT Cheetah Robot’s advanced control system allows it to manage the force exerted during high-speed movements. Traditional robots often struggle with maintaining stability and agility at high speeds due to their weight and sluggish response times. The Cheetah Robot, however, can adjust its force profile rapidly, enabling it to remain stable and agile even when encountering obstacles. This makes it more dynamic and capable of performing tasks that require quick reflexes and precise movements.
For example, in a disaster scenario, the Cheetah Robot could be deployed to navigate through rubble to locate survivors. Its ability to jump over obstacles and maintain stability at high speeds would make it an invaluable tool in such situations. Additionally, this technology could be adapted for use in other fields, such as agriculture, where robots could navigate through fields and over uneven terrain to perform tasks like planting and harvesting.
For more information on the new Cheetah Robot, jump over to the MIT news website for details.
Source: MIT
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