Robo-gymnastics! Watch the incredible running robot that can reach speeds of 2.6mph - and even do a somersault

  • High speed camera enables biped robot to lean forward without falling
  • Team aims to create a version that can outrun a human

By Mark Prigg for MailOnline

Published: 15:52 EST, 2 September 2014 | Updated: 16:26 EST, 2 September 2014

Japanese researchers have revealed a tiny two legged robot that is one of the fastest ever made.

Called Achires (short for Actively Coordinated High-speed Image-processing Running Experiment System), it uses a high speed camera to enable it to lean forward and run without falling over.

The acrobatic robot can even do a backflip - and the team behind it says its aims to create a version that can outrun a human.

Scroll down for video 

 The robot can already reach speeds of 2.6mp/h - and do a backflip

HOW IT RUNS

The Achires robot works in a unique way. 

While many robots are controlled using what is known as 'zero moment point' dynamics to balance themselves, the new robot uses a combination of a high speed camera and a stabilizing motor so that it can lean forward without tipping over.

This enables it to run in a dynamic form, according to Prof. Masatoshi Ishikawa. 

The robot can even perform a somersault.

'With the goal of pursuing the limit of the machine system beyond the human being by improving both hardware and control method, we developed an entirely new bipedal running robot system,' the research team at the University of Tokyo say.

The robot works in a unique way. 

While many robots are controlled using what is known as 'zero moment point' dynamics to balance themselves, the new robot uses a combination of a high speed camera and a stabilizing motor so that it can lean forward without tipping over.

This enables it to run in a dynamic form, according to Prof. Masatoshi Ishikawa. 

The robot can even perform a somersault.

It is already one of the fastest two-legged robots in the world, and can reach speeds up to 4.2 kilometers per hour (2.6 mph)

 'Using the high-speed visual feedback, and we have realized a high speed running as the first step of this research,' the team say.

The system uses cameras to right itself as is runs, allowing it to run dynamically as if it were about to fall over

The system uses cameras to right itself as is runs, allowing it to run dynamically as if it were about to fall over

The system even allows the robot to launch itself into the air and perform a backflip.

The system even allows the robot to launch itself into the air and perform a backflip.

 The leg length of the robot is about 14 centimeters long and it can take approximately six steps in a second.

'We also address a task of somersaulting,' the team say.

'While running, the robot takes a big swing with one foot and jumps. 

'After takeoff, both legs are controlled to curl up for high-speed rotation in the air. 

'ACHIRES is going to be improved to push the envelope while demonstrating various biped locomotion tasks. 

While it can only run for about 10 seconds now, the team is working on extending that time.

The team previously developed the 'janken' robot, which uses a camera to detect human hand movements at astonishing speed and beat anyone in a game of rock-paper-scissors.

The robot uses a combination of smart software and a high speed video camera to stay upright.

The robot uses a combination of smart software and a high speed video camera to stay upright.

He said both robots operate using the same principle.

Improving the hardware and camera-based recognition systems may lead to the development of ultra-fast factory line robots or other technologies that exceed human speed, he believes.

 

 

Comments (0)

Share what you think

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now