Watch Emu-Inspired Robot Legs That Use Less Energy to Run
canopic jug writes:
NewScientist covers highly efficient 2-actuator robotic legs. Apparently these are far more efficient than more complex devices.
"We're using just two actuators, one to move the leg back and forward, and one to lift it. Just the bare minimum required," says Badri-Sprowitz. "Usually in robotics, you're looking to improve efficiency by just 10 per cent or so, but we're seeing a 300 per cent increase."
The motors pull the tendons. Power is stored in a spring during compression and released when each foot strikes the floor, to help drive the robot forward.
Taking many actuators, sensors and electronics out of the system makes the robot lighter and cheaper to manufacture. It can also stand upright using no power.
See also the paywalled main article, DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abg4055
Previously:
(2021) These Virtual Obstacle Courses Help Real Robots Learn to Walk
(2018) Festo's New Bionic Robots Include Rolling Spider, Flying Fox
(2014) Tiny Walking Robots Powered by Muscle Cells
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