Except it doesn't just jump, it explodes.
Posted 02.11.2013 at 5:15 pm
3 Comments
Harvard researchers have developed a robot that jumps into the air using explosions in its legs.The three-legged soft robot has tubes that are filled with methane and oxygen. When jolted with electricity, they explode, propelling the robot into the air.
The explosion keeps the silicone-based robot somewhat level so that it can land on its feet when it comes down. The robot can jump more than 30 times its own height -- or maybe more, if it wasn't tethered by tubing.
In the future, jumping robots could be useful in aiding search and rescue operations. Researchers are now trying to figure out a way to steer the robots in mid-air, so that we could control where they land.
[Engadget]
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I'm sure if they used C4 explosives, they could do a lot more than 30 times it's own height. I don't think they'd need to worry about landing the robot though...
how is that a robot?
simski, wrong question. How is it NOT a robot?