Scientists at the Oregon State University have designed a two-legged robot that aims to be the world’s fastest robot. Called ATRIAS, it is modeled after the fastest and most agile bipedal runners in nature: birds. ATRIAS, which stands for ‘Assume The Robot Is A Sphere,’ is currently in training. Scientists at the Dynamic Robotics Laboratory of the Oregon State University said that, compared to other robots, ATRIAS runs faster, works better, and is much more efficient.
ATRIAS can walk and run with remarkable energy economy
Jonathan Hurst, an associate professor at the Oregon State University, said when it starts walking, not even running, ATRIAS will become the fastest robot in the world. The robot is capable of moving fast even on rough surfaces, thanks to the lightweight carbon-fiber mechanism used to create its legs. Researchers said it had been designed to move like a simple “spring mass” model.
ATRIAS’ legs are mounted to series-elastic fiberglass springs that work both as a means of mechanical energy storage and a suspension. Fiberglass springs help it execute dynamic maneuvers and conserve energy. The springy model can walk as well as run in a fashion pretty similar to humans and other animals, and with remarkable energy economy.
ATRIAS has an amazing sense of balance
It has demonstrated an amazing sense of balance. ATRIAS easily handled a barrage of dodgeballs. It also withstood kicks and pushes from a scientist as it jumped from one leg to another. The project is jointly funded by the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
ATRIAS has its own Twitter handle, and the robot tweets its progress on a regular basis. Scientists said the robot could eventually be used to serve disaster areas that are too dangerous for humans. The technology can potentially be applied in prosthetic limbs to give them a natural movement.
