Subscribe free to our newsletters via your
. 24/7 Space News .




ROBO SPACE
Gas explosions enable soft robot to jump
by Staff Writers
Cambridge, Mass. (UPI) Feb 14, 2013


disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only

Robots that can already stand, walk and wriggle under obstacles are getting a new skill thanks to Harvard University researchers -- now they can jump.

The researchers have used small explosions produced by a mix of methane and oxygen to allow a soft robot to leap as much as a foot in the air, the university reported Thursday.

That ability could one day prove useful in allowing robots to avoid obstacles during search and rescue operations, they said.

"Initially, our soft robot systems used pneumatic pressure to actuate," said Robert Shepherd, a former postdoctoral researcher at Harvard who is now an assistant professor at Cornell University.

"While that system worked, it was rather slow -- it took on the order of a second. Using combustion, however, allows us to actuate the robots very fast. We were able to measure the speed of the robot's jump at 4 meters per second."

The soft robots are molded using soft silicone that allows them to stretch and flex.

The robots are connected to tubes that deliver a precisely controlled mix of methane and oxygen, ignited by high-voltage wires embedded in each leg of the robot.

"Because it releases so much energy so fast, it made sense for jumping to be the first 'gait' we explored with this system," Shepherd said. "The next step now is to learn how we can use this combustion system for other gaits, like running or even walking."

.


Related Links
All about the robots on Earth and beyond!






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle








ROBO SPACE
Humans and robots work better together following cross-training
Boston MA (SPX) Feb 14, 2013
Spending a day in someone else's shoes can help us to learn what makes them tick. Now the same approach is being used to develop a better understanding between humans and robots, to enable them to work together as a team. Robots are increasingly being used in the manufacturing industry to perform tasks that bring them into closer contact with humans. But while a great deal of work is being ... read more


ROBO SPACE
Building a lunar base with 3D printing

US, Europe team up for moon fly-by

Russia to Launch Lunar Mission in 2015

US, Europe team up for moon fly-by

ROBO SPACE
Rover Walkabout Continues at Cape York

Mars Rock Takes Unusual Form

In milestone, Mars rover collects first bedrock sample

How The World's Saltiest Pond Gets Its Salt; Implications For Water On Mars

ROBO SPACE
Orion Lands Safely on Two of Three Parachutes in Test

Supersonic skydiver even faster than thought

Ahmadinejad says ready to be Iran's first spaceman

Iran's Bio-Capsule Comes Back from Space

ROBO SPACE
Welcome Aboard Shenzhou 10

Reshuffle for Tiangong

China to launch 20 spacecrafts in 2013

Mr Xi in Space

ROBO SPACE
Low-Gravity Flights Will Aid ISS Fluids and Combustion Experiments

Progress docks with ISS

NASA to Send Inflatable Pod to International Space Station

ISS to get inflatable module

ROBO SPACE
Another Sea Launch Failure

ILS Concludes Yamal 402 Proton Launch Investigation

Ariane 5 delivers record payload off back-to-back launches this week

Eutelsat and Arianespace sign new multi-year multiple launch services agreement

ROBO SPACE
Earth-like planets are right next door

Direct Infrared Image Of An Arm In Disk Demonstrates Transition To Planet Formation

Kepler Data Suggest Earth-size Planets May Be Next Door

Earth-like planets may be closer than thought: study

ROBO SPACE
Researchers strain to improve electrical material and it's worth it

Explosive breakthrough in research on molecular recognition

Indra Develops The First High-Resolution Passive Radar System

ORNL scientists solve mercury mystery




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement