Swiss scientists have designed the first robotic leg with artificial muscles that allow it to jump over different surfaces, AFP reported, quoted by dariknews.bg.
In a video released alongside the study, the robotic leg takes small jumps in a circle covered in grass, sand and pebbles. The scientists hope that their technique will be used for humanoid robots capable of performing “household tasks”.
To create the robotic leg capable of walking and jumping, the research team was inspired by the fact that the human body uses around 600 muscles.
"Typical humanoid robots are constructed with motors and rigid metal joints that are used for industrial purposes," study co-author Robert Kachmann, professor of robotics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, told AFP. According to him, these industrial robots are too heavy, dangerous and too expensive for home use. A home robot should be able not only to carry loads, but also to hug or lend a hand to its owner.
According to the study, the artificial muscle technique has the advantage of using less energy than the traditional method when the robot's knee bends.
A humanoid robot powered entirely by artificial muscles is still in the distant future.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.
In a video released alongside the study, the robotic leg takes small jumps in a circle covered in grass, sand and pebbles. The scientists hope that their technique will be used for humanoid robots capable of performing “household tasks”.
To create the robotic leg capable of walking and jumping, the research team was inspired by the fact that the human body uses around 600 muscles.
"Typical humanoid robots are constructed with motors and rigid metal joints that are used for industrial purposes," study co-author Robert Kachmann, professor of robotics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, told AFP. According to him, these industrial robots are too heavy, dangerous and too expensive for home use. A home robot should be able not only to carry loads, but also to hug or lend a hand to its owner.
According to the study, the artificial muscle technique has the advantage of using less energy than the traditional method when the robot's knee bends.
A humanoid robot powered entirely by artificial muscles is still in the distant future.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.