The bio-inspired robot, developed as part of DARPA’s Maximum Mobility and Manipulation (M3) programme, is said to increase its stride and running speed by flexing and unflexing its back on each step, much like a cheetah.
The current version of the Cheetah robot runs on a laboratory treadmill, where it is powered by an off-board hydraulic pump, and uses a boom-like device to keep it running in the centre of the treadmill. Testing of a free-running prototype is planned for later this year.
Poll: Should the UK’s railways be renationalised?
The term innovation is bandied about in relation to rail almost as a mantra. Everything has to be innovative. There is precious little evidence of...