<p>A “cheetah” robot designed by MIT researchers may soon outpace its animal counterparts in running efficiency. In treadmill tests, the researchers have found that the robot - about the size and weight of an actual cheetah - wastes very little energy as it trots continuously for up to an hour and a half at 8 kph. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The key to the robot’s streamlined stride is its lightweight electric motors, set into its shoulders, that produce high torque with very little heat wasted.<br /><br />The motors can be programmed to quickly adjust the robot’s leg stiffness and damping ratio - or cushioning - in response to outside forces such as a push, or a change in terrain. The researchers will present the efficiency results and design principles for their electric motor at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in May.<br /><br />Sangbae Kim from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, says achieving energy-efficiency in legged robots has proven extremely difficult.<br /></p>
<p>A “cheetah” robot designed by MIT researchers may soon outpace its animal counterparts in running efficiency. In treadmill tests, the researchers have found that the robot - about the size and weight of an actual cheetah - wastes very little energy as it trots continuously for up to an hour and a half at 8 kph. <br /><br /></p>.<p>The key to the robot’s streamlined stride is its lightweight electric motors, set into its shoulders, that produce high torque with very little heat wasted.<br /><br />The motors can be programmed to quickly adjust the robot’s leg stiffness and damping ratio - or cushioning - in response to outside forces such as a push, or a change in terrain. The researchers will present the efficiency results and design principles for their electric motor at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in May.<br /><br />Sangbae Kim from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, says achieving energy-efficiency in legged robots has proven extremely difficult.<br /></p>