A robotics student at Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has developed an innovative design for a dog robot. Mickaël Achkar has designed a robotic frame that can move indefinitely once it has enough momentum. However, he has no plans to compete with high-end robotic dogs.
While many people are amazed by robots and their abilities, they may not fully understand the complexities involved. These machines blend form and function, with their design specifically tailored to their purpose. Small advancements, like Achkar’s work, may seem insignificant, but they contribute to the development of more effective robots. Consequently, his research brings us one step closer to a better future for robotics.
In this article, we will explore Achkar’s process of designing his robotic pet and discuss the implications it has for the field of robotics. Additionally, we will highlight other recent projects that showcase the progress being made in robotics.
How does Achkar’s dog robot function?
Mickaël Achkar’s research was recently shared by the Swiss science news outlet, myScience. According to the outlet, Achkar studied the biological mechanisms of canines in order to create a more intelligent robot design and develop a prototype that can run autonomously.
“I wanted to engineer a robot with animal-like characteristics, taking into account that animals, like humans, move in a wide variety of ways,” Achkar explained. “However, most of these movements are executed by just a few joints,” he added.
To guide his design, Achkar drew inspiration from the motor control processes of animals. While he could have chosen any animal, he believed that a dog was the most obvious choice.
“We discovered a vast dataset on dog motion, and it was conveniently available as an open-source resource!” the robotics student noted. He began by extracting data on the coordinated movements of dogs and then organized the data in a meaningful way.
This process involved grouping the data into several vectors that describe the primary axes of dog motion. Achkar then used this information to determine the exact specifications for his robot.
He constructed the robot’s body using metal rods, 3D-printed pulleys, thin cables, and screws. Achkar and his colleagues tested the robot on a treadmill and discovered that it could run autonomously without the need to activate its motors.
The robot relied on the friction and force generated by the treadmill, as well as a counterweight, to enable it to walk. “We designed the robot’s body to automatically respond, much like how a trout starts swimming automatically when placed in water,” explained project supervisor Francesco Stella.
What other advancements have been made in robotics?
Achkar’s dog robot is just one example of the recent progress being made in the field of robotics. For instance, China has reportedly introduced the “world’s first mass-produced humanoid robot.” This robot can walk on two legs at a speed of 5 kph while carrying a 50 kg load. Chinese firm Fourier Intelligence developed the GR-1 prototype to address China’s aging population and shrinking labor market.
Carnegie Mellon University has also developed a robot to assist older individuals: the Head-Worn Assistive Teleoperation (HAT) device. By wearing this device, users can control a robot hand using head motions and voice commands. Users can direct the arm by moving their head and command it to move its arm, wrist, and gripper, making it a valuable tool for individuals with movement difficulties.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has undertaken a project similar to Mickaël Achkar’s. Rather than focusing on hardware, however, their project concentrates on software. Electrical engineering and computer science graduate student Andi Peng and her team have developed an algorithm that allows for faster training of robots. The algorithm identifies errors made by a robot, enabling engineers to correct them immediately and improve the robot’s ability to perform specific tasks more efficiently.
In conclusion, Mickaël Achkar, a robotics student, has designed a dog robot that continues to move once it has gained enough momentum. This achievement, which mimics the movements of a real dog, may appear trivial but contributes to the incremental advancements in science. It is through these small successes and failures that practical applications and innovations in robotics emerge. To stay updated with the latest digital trends, visit Inquirer Tech.
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