FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Run, Robot, Run!

A French-American research project has led to the development of software for controlling a robot that can run on two legs like a human, and maintain and even regain balance. The software has been applied to a robot called Rabbit, which is mainly a waist and two legs. Rabbit can walk and even run at speeds ranging from 5 to 12 KPH.



This research has important implications not just for independent robotics, but for developing prosthetic legs and devices to help brain-injury patient regain walking skills. Practical applications from this research could reach the marketplace in between 5 to 10 years.

Source: Technology Research News