Originally published March 2 2005
Scientists have created a robot that actually learns how to walk, just like a toddler
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A new robot that learned to walk on its own was unveiled recently at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Instead of using motors to control every step, like Honda Motors' Asimo, this robot actually imitates humans' natural use of gravity to fall forward while stepping in order to move. This method is much more efficient and it allows this new robot to use about as much energy as a walking human.
Scientists have developed a robot that "learns" to walk like a toddler, improving its step and balance with every stride.
The walking robot looks more like a moving Erector set than a human being, but the machine has the unmistakable gait of a person strolling along.
The robot uses its curved feet and motorized ankles to spring its legs forward, its arms swinging at every step to help with balance.
Researchers on Thursday showed off the learning, walking robot, along with two less-advanced models, at the national meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
The machines use what the researchers called a "passive-dynamic design" that closely mimics the way humans walk.
Earlier robots required powerful machines to stroll, with each leg, knee and ankle requiring motorized assistance.
The energy required is just a fraction of that needed by other walking robots, said Andy Ruina, a Cornell University researcher.
This essentially is the same movement people use, a motion toddlers must master to walk.
"We let the machines take care of a lot of the motion," he said.
In contrast, most walking robots, such as Asimo, developed by the Honda Motors, require a motor to power every motion.
A robot designed by Russ Tedrake of Massachusetts Institute of Technology is equipped with sensors that help the machine learn to walk in a way similar to humans' gait.
The robot's sensors measure the machine's motion, tilt and rate of movement and then direct small motors to adjust and compensate for changes.
He said the sensors take measurements at the rate of 200 times a second and constantly send new instructions to the motors that control the tilt and motion.
The sensors also direct actuators that control the tension on springs in the robot ankles.
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