With an articulated spine this robot mouse can beat ‘Spot’ at pace and maneuvers in small turning radius

Over the years, quadruped – four-legged – robots led by the likes of Spot, by Boston Dynamics, have captured our imagination far and wide. These robots have been through various upgrades, including the robotic dog that can now walk, jump, and maneuver like the real thing. Even though the construction of these robots is already very sophisticated, it remains to be perfected for widespread applications.

A step forward in this direction can be a mouse robot with an articulated spine developed by collaborative research teams from the Technical University of Munich, University of Technology, Nuremberg, and Sun Yat-Sen University, China. The articulation of the spine allows the mouse named NeRmo full body control and stabilization, which provides it with a more balanced frame along with agility and gait much like a real rodent with a biological spine.

Designer: Zhenshan Bing

This mouse created with a flexible spine and tendons is the first interpretation of spine-centric quadruped, unlike the four-legged robots whose anatomical mimicking just finishes at the leg-based motor skills. Yes, they can walk, jump or even pull off a few dance moves, but the NeRmo can do that and more. While the others are robotic in their movement and approach, the researchers led by Zhenshan Bing, believe their mouse – with a spine and tendons running through it – can move almost alike and turn equally efficiently as its biological counterpart.

NeRmo is an agile-legged robot that leaves behind challenges of movement and regulating spine flexion that other quadrupeds using similar spine enhancement – like in the case of Boston Dynamics’ Cheetah robot – have proved. The robot with 3D printed parts and Raspberry Pi for its brain has a sensory system that can make decisions and navigate autonomously.

The NeRmo is an experimental robot that helps understand the spine-based quadruped locomotion skills. The findings are pretty optimistic, which means, that its development can be a promising inspiration for more such small agile-legged robots. The construction of the NeRmo modular robot, according to the research team is low cost, owing to its building process. With the articulated spine, the research shows, the robotic mouse can adjust its posture, extend its stride to walk faster, and make agile maneuvers in a small turning radius and while walking.

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This colossal rideable robot, resembling a giant rhinoceros gives meaning to the phrase ‘riding in style’

Have you ever wanted to ride a rhinoceros? I would have never thought of an idea to be even close to reality, but after seeing this rhino-inspired behemoth with four sturdy legs, engineered to walk and transport up to four adventurous passengers, I am sold by the idea!

An amalgamation of entertainment and technology, this larger-than-life creation: the SR-02, a quadruped walking robot, is developed by Sansei Technologies. This is a company renowned for crafting thrilling amusement park rides that set hearts racing at Disney.

Designer: Sensei Technologies

The electric-powered prototype of the four-legged walking robot was debuting at the Japan Mobility Show, previously known as the Japan Motor Show, this year. The SR-02, right to the word, stole the spotlight, hinting at a future where personal mobility takes on an entirely new form.

This ambitious creation isn’t however crafted for a specific client but instead for the pleasure of those who seek unique experiences at amusement parks. Whether you fancy taking control yourself or allowing remote guidance, this marvel of engineering provides both options, ensuring a delightfully dynamic adventure for all its passengers.

The SR-02 stands at around 11 feet in length, slightly over five feet in width, and nearly seven feet in height. Its spacious design ensures that passengers have ample room to sit comfortably, making the entire experience not only thrilling but also enjoyable.

The prospect of riding a colossal, rideable robot might sound like a dream come true for many, and the SR-02 has the potential to transform amusement park experiences into something beyond imagination. However, until further announcements are made, we can only sit back and wait to know when.

 

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