Research from biologists and engineers at UC Berkeley has led to the creation of a hopping robot capable of precise landings on narrow surfaces, inspired by the exceptional agility of squirrels. This advancement, discussed in a forthcoming study in Science Robotics, aims to enhance robotic movement in complex environments, such as construction sites and dense forests. By understanding the control strategies of squirrels, researchers hope to improve robot performance, allowing them to effectively navigate tight spaces in disaster scenarios, where traditional robots struggle.
"The robots we have now are OK, but how do you take it to the next level? How do you get robots to navigate a challenging environment in a disaster where you have pipes and beams and wires?"
"Squirrels are nature's best athletes. The way that they can maneuver and escape is unbelievable. The idea is to try to define the control strategies that give the animals a wide range of behavioral options."
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