ATRIAS
Latest
Oregon State's robo-ostrich blindly clambers over obstacles
So what if some mechanical cheetah can hop curbs in stride? The ATRIAS bipedal robot from Oregon State University can now step over obstacles without even looking. For this experiment, the ATRIAS was not outfitted with an imaging or navigation system and could only react to obstacles once it ran into them. As you can see in the video below, a 15-cm step is no match for this robo-ostrich. Even when planting its foot awkwardly or catching a toe, the ATRIAS soldiers on. It's only a matter of time until climbing stairs is just a walk in the park for the high-stepping automaton.
Oregon State University's ATRIAS robot takes a walk in the park
We've seen Oregon State University's ATRIAS robot prove its mettle in a controlled environment, sure, but what changes when it goes for a stroll in the great outdoors? Perhaps unsurprisingly, not a whole lot. The biped doesn't have a problem going uphill, downhill, maintaining balance when dodgeballs hit it and even handles variations in terrain with aplomb. It doesn't seem to have any issues changing speed, either. Basically, this proves that the ATRIAS doesn't need perfect conditions to operate, which is important because let's face it: the real world is far from perfect.The upside to all of this is that unlike humans, robots don't quite get stage-fright so replicating these actions in front of a crowd at the DARPA Robotics Challenge come June likely won't be an issue.
Watch this biped robot endure kicks and a barrage of dodgeballs
For a biped robot to be able to do its job, it needs to be stable -- it can't topple at the gentlest touch or gust of wind. That's why Oregon State University's Dynamic Robotics Laboratory designed its prototype robot called ATRIAS to be extra stable, as you'll see in the videos below the fold. It easily neutralized human kicks during one test in early March, and it barely even registered that it was being pelted with dodgeballs on another test just a few days ago. Don't let those spindly legs above fool you either: those springy, pogo-like carbon fiber limbs are the reason why the robot's such an agile runner. ATRIAS is scheduled to demonstrate its skills onstage at the DARPA Robotics Challenge finale in June. Despite its ability to withstand abuse, its developers still have a lot to do before it can walk and run around the stage while maneuvering over obstacles for its performance.
