A robot that jumps like a squirrel (2 photos + 1 video)

American engineers have unveiled a robot that can jump and balance like a squirrel.





A robot that learned from squirrels

Engineers from the University of California at Berkeley have created a one-legged robot, Salto, that jumps and balances just like a squirrel.

Salto can jump more than a meter high – three times his own height. But the most impressive thing is his ability to land accurately on shaky branches on the first try and maintain his balance without falling.



To achieve such feats, the researchers carefully studied the biomechanics of squirrel jumping. It turns out that these furry creatures use a unique technique: they direct the force of landing through the shoulder joint, and then apply braking force with their legs to prevent themselves from falling forward or backward.

Salto already had a motorized flywheel to maintain balance, but the team modified it to include the ability to reverse the motor to apply braking force when landing. In addition, the robot received adjustable leg forces to help compensate for undershooting or overshooting when landing.