The world's fastest walking robot

European robot researchers have created the world's fastest walking robot named Runbot. It can move at a rate of 3 times the leg length in 1 second, a bit slower than the average person going fast.

Runbot works on the motivational principle, capable of self-learning based on the 1930s theory of Nikolai Bernstein - a Russian physiologist.

It can walk like a human, overcoming obstacles with the ability to change the way of flexibility based on the surrounding environment. For example, when a person passes by, it will automatically stop or stay away.

On the joints and legs Runbot has attached peripheral sensors, accelerometers to manage the movement of the robot. Signals from the sensor will be sent to the local processing unit - as artificial nerves. This system will analyze the information and provide signals to adjust how to move in real time.

Florentin Woergoetter Researcher (Photo: Hubert Jelinek / EPA)

Information from the sensors mounted on Runbot is always updated and created during its interaction with the moving terrain, so it can adjust the step if there is a change from the surrounding environment.

According to Runbot designers, it can go up and down the slope without help; can adjust the focus; move in many ways with appropriate motion options. They also said that they will build a bigger Runbot, adapting more to the changing environment.

Robot movement cycle divided into 6 steps (image) :

Runbot's moving cycle

• Steps 1 - 3: The momentum of the robot makes the robot stand on one leg and the other leg moves forward.

• Step 3 : Stress sensor of the foot that has just stepped up is activated, the switch of the knee is turned on and the leg is extended.

• Step 3 - 6 : The robot will fall forward without using the engine and then stand on one leg.

• Step 6 : When the foot has just stepped up to touch the ground, the sensor is placed on the robot's foot in contact with the background, the leg is retracted and up. Start a new cycle.

MINH ANH