Scientists in Germany have created the world’s first robot kangaroo, the device is called the BionicKangaroo, and was created by German company Festo.
The BionicKangaroo is designed to move in the same way as a kangaroo, and it can even recover energy when it jumps. This energy can then be stored and used for its next jump, making it an efficient and fascinating piece of technology. Have a look at the video below.
On the artificial kangaroo, Festo intelligently combines pneumatic and electrical drive technology to produce a highly dynamic system. The stable jump kinematics plus the precise control technology ensure stability when jumping and landing. The consistent lightweight construction facilitates the unique jumping behaviour. The system is controlled by gestures.
Innovative Technology Behind the BionicKangaroo
The BionicKangaroo is a marvel of modern engineering, combining both pneumatic and electrical drive technologies to mimic the natural movements of a real kangaroo. The use of pneumatics allows for smooth, powerful jumps, while the electrical components provide precise control and stability. This combination ensures that the robot can jump and land with remarkable accuracy and grace.
One of the most impressive features of the BionicKangaroo is its ability to recover and store energy. When the robot lands after a jump, the energy from the impact is captured and stored in elastic tendons. This stored energy is then used to power the next jump, making the robot highly efficient. This energy recovery system is inspired by the way real kangaroos use their tendons to store and release energy, allowing them to hop long distances with minimal effort.
Applications and Future Prospects
While the BionicKangaroo will not be sold or developed into a commercial product, it serves as an excellent educational tool. Festo designed the robot to inspire and educate aspiring engineers about the potential of biomimetics—the practice of drawing inspiration from nature to solve complex engineering problems. By studying the BionicKangaroo, students and researchers can gain valuable insights into how biological systems can be replicated and improved upon using modern technology.
The principles demonstrated by the BionicKangaroo have far-reaching implications. For instance, the energy recovery system could be applied to other robotic systems, making them more efficient and sustainable. Additionally, the combination of pneumatic and electrical drives could lead to advancements in robotics, prosthetics, and even exoskeletons, providing enhanced mobility and functionality for users.
You can find out more information about this robotic kangaroo over at Festo at the link below.
Source, BBC
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