US researchers have developed a two-legged robot modelled after birds which aims to become the fastest bipedal robot in the world.
"When this robot gets up to speed for walking, not even running yet, it will be the fastest bipedal robot in the world," said Jonathan Hurst, an associate professor and robotic expert in the Oregon State University College of Engineering.
Compared to other robots in the world today, the robot named Atrias, runs faster and is much more efficient, researchers said.
It's able to do all that because it is modelled after not a human, but birds, which are arguably the fastest and most agile two-legged runners in the world, researchers said.
Researchers believe the robot could be sent to disaster areas where it's too dangerous for humans to go, or the technology could be used in prosthetic limbs to give them more natural movement.
The project is funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP).
The robot displays an amazing sense of balance, easily resisting attempts by researchers to tip it over by kicking and pushing it, 'Tech Times' reported.
It has also demonstrated a knack for avoiding being hit in a game of dodge ball using its carbon fibre legs equipped with fibreglass springs.
The fibreglass springs act both as a suspension and a means of mechanical energy storage, allowing Atrias to conserve energy and execute dynamic manoeuvres, the researchers said.
