<p>Scientists have developed a new robot - with human sized feet laced up in a pair of sneakers - that closely imitates the walking motion of humans, making it more energy-efficient and better at navigating uneven terrain.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The bipedal robot steps with a heel-toe motion that copies human locomotion more closely than flat-footed robot walkers can, according to Christian Hubicki, a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).<br /><br />The humanoid robot DURUS was designed collaboratively by the research nonprofit SRI International and Georgia Tech's Advanced Mechanical Bipedal Experimental Robotics (AMBER) Lab.<br /><br />An earlier DURUS design was modified to accommodate the new manner of walking.<br />Robots that walk on two legs typically have 'feet' that are large and flat, to provide a more stable platform, Hubicki told Live Science.<br /><br />The algorithms that dictate a robot's forward momentum typically keep those big feet flat on the ground when pushing off, to minimise the risk that the bot will tip over.<br /><br />While a flat-footed walker might perform well on a treadmill, uneven terrain in the real world could stop a robot in its tracks.<br /><br />The researchers designed a new algorithm that works to keep a robot upright and moving forward even if only parts of the foot are engaged.<br /><br />They tested DURUS using a modified foot with an arch; every step began with the heel making contact and then rolling to the ball of the foot to push off from the ground, said Hubicki.<br /><br />Springs installed by the robot's ankles act like tendons.<br /><br />DURUS' feet are about the same size as human feet — about half as long as the feet on the original model. To enhance the similarity, researchers also gave it pair of sneakers.<br /><br />The new algorithm may even have applications beyond robotics, Hubicki added.<br /><br />It could be used to improve the design of prosthetics and exoskeletons to help people who use assistance to get around. <br /></p>
<p>Scientists have developed a new robot - with human sized feet laced up in a pair of sneakers - that closely imitates the walking motion of humans, making it more energy-efficient and better at navigating uneven terrain.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The bipedal robot steps with a heel-toe motion that copies human locomotion more closely than flat-footed robot walkers can, according to Christian Hubicki, a postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).<br /><br />The humanoid robot DURUS was designed collaboratively by the research nonprofit SRI International and Georgia Tech's Advanced Mechanical Bipedal Experimental Robotics (AMBER) Lab.<br /><br />An earlier DURUS design was modified to accommodate the new manner of walking.<br />Robots that walk on two legs typically have 'feet' that are large and flat, to provide a more stable platform, Hubicki told Live Science.<br /><br />The algorithms that dictate a robot's forward momentum typically keep those big feet flat on the ground when pushing off, to minimise the risk that the bot will tip over.<br /><br />While a flat-footed walker might perform well on a treadmill, uneven terrain in the real world could stop a robot in its tracks.<br /><br />The researchers designed a new algorithm that works to keep a robot upright and moving forward even if only parts of the foot are engaged.<br /><br />They tested DURUS using a modified foot with an arch; every step began with the heel making contact and then rolling to the ball of the foot to push off from the ground, said Hubicki.<br /><br />Springs installed by the robot's ankles act like tendons.<br /><br />DURUS' feet are about the same size as human feet — about half as long as the feet on the original model. To enhance the similarity, researchers also gave it pair of sneakers.<br /><br />The new algorithm may even have applications beyond robotics, Hubicki added.<br /><br />It could be used to improve the design of prosthetics and exoskeletons to help people who use assistance to get around. <br /></p>