The new QRIO Robot from Sony has really made some amazing strides.
First, it can walk and "run" (more like a slow jog) with dynamic walking motion - which means it's center of gravity is not restricted to a safe zone within it's footprint. Basically, it walks much more fluidly like a human than like a typically robot (with a static based walking program).
Second, it's able to respond intelligently to being pushed or having the surface under it's feet uneven. If you give it a push, it will take a step in the same direction to counteract the force. If you push it too hard, it will sense an impending fall and immediately switch to a safe mode so it can fall in a controlled (safe) fashion. It will then right itself back to a standing position.
Third, it can go up and down stairs. Granted since the little guy isn't so big, the stairs can't be that big...but still another nice *step* forward.
I think you'll see more intricate robots of this nature in the next few years....
Posted by answerguru at December 18, 2003 08:39 AM | TrackBack