A one-legged robot, named Salto, has successfully demonstrated its ability to hop between narrow pipes, mimicking the agility and balance of squirrels.
A one-legged robot has successfully demonstrated its ability to hop between narrow pipes, mimicking the agility and balance of squirrels. The robot, named Salto, was developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, who drew inspiration from the natural world.
Salto, a term derived from the Italian word for 'jump', refers to a fundamental movement in various forms of dance and gymnastics.
It involves a leap or bound from one position to another, often requiring strength, control, and precision.
In ballet, salto is a crucial element in many steps and movements, while in gymnastics, it's used as a foundation for more complex skills like tumbling passes.
The Secret to Squirrel Balance
Squirrels are renowned for their parkour prowess, effortlessly navigating obstacles with exceptional balance. According to engineer Justin Yim, one key factor is adjusting leg force and nonprehensile foot torque during landing. This allows them to maintain stability even when landing beyond or short of their target.
Squirrels are small, furry rodents that belong to the family Sciuridae.
There are over 200 species of squirrels, ranging in size, color, and behavior.
They are primarily herbivores, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation.
Squirrels are known for their agility, climbing skills, and ability to store food for winter.
Some species of squirrels can remember the location of cached food, allowing them to retrieve it later.
Yim’s team applied this concept to Salto, a spindly little hopping bot that was previously able to land on flat surfaces. The researchers added a clawlike gripper to the robot’s foot and enabled it to stand or crouch, improving its balance. In test jumps, Salto successfully landed on pipes 25 times out of 30, catching the tube and swinging over or under it most of the time.
A Leap Forward in Robot Development
While Salto still has room for improvement, this achievement marks a significant step forward in robot development. The team envisions future bots that can aid in construction, inspecting pipes or girders while carrying cameras, or working outside in forests performing environmental monitoring.
Yim notes that Salto is not yet capable of matching the agility of squirrels but hopes to improve its balance by enhancing its gripper. As the field continues to evolve, we may see robots like Salto become increasingly adept at navigating complex environments.
- sciencenews.org | A hopping robot shows off its squirrel like skills
