Video: Robot that runs like a cat (no fur, no face)

Here’s a new video posted by researchers at French tech powerhouse Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) of their latest robot, the “cheetah cub robot” — inspired by the house cat. Even though it doesn’t have a head, you can still tell what kind of animal it is.

During tests, the robot demonstrated its ability to run nearly seven times its body length in one second.

The machine’s strengths all reside in the design of its legs, which make it very fast and stable. The researchers developed a new model with this robot, based on the meticulous observation and faithful reproduction of the feline leg. The number of segments – three on each leg – and their proportions are the same as they are on a cat. Springs are used to reproduce tendons, and actuators – small motors that convert energy into movement – are used to replace the muscles.

The researchers says that robots developed from this concept could eventually be used in search and rescue missions or for exploration.

Bottom line: Researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) released this video of their latest robot, the “cheetah cub robot” — inspired by the house cat.

Read more about it at ScienceDaily