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Robots walk with close-to-human efficiency

Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues have built robots that mimic the human gait, consuming energy comparable to a human walker. The robots use simple control programs, suggesting that steady-state human walking might require only simple control as well.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2005

Robots that act like rats

Researchers built robots with sensors and programming similar to rat pups' basic senses and motor skills. The robots showed a new behavior in an arena, favoring one wall over another, displaying emergent behavior. Understanding this simple system's biology may inform the design of more sophisticated robots.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdaptive Behavior·DateFeb 14, 2005

Robots at work make highways safer

Researchers at UC Davis's Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) center are developing high-tech machines to improve safety in highway construction zones. The center has created innovative solutions such as automated debris removal vehicles, crack sealers, and traffic cone-laying robots.

Robots make more cash than city traders

A recent study by IBM and researchers found that software-based robotic trading agents ('bots') made seven per cent more cash than people in a commodities market test. The bots used basic strategies to maximize their profit, while humans were given an upper spending limit and minimum sale price.

'Lying' gets space-age results

A U of T engineer has devised a method to control vibrations in robots assembling or repairing objects in outer space. By entering a 'corrected' equation into the system, scientists can reduce deformations and complete tasks more quickly.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Robotic Systems·DateMay 28, 2000

Robots to the rescue

A robotic caterpillar, Moccasin II, has been developed to navigate through gas, water, and sewerage pipes in buildings damaged by earthquakes or explosions. The robot can successfully navigate multiple 90-degree bends and is equipped with lights, a video camera, and microphones to detect survivors.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateSep 29, 1999

Scooter Runs Into A Wall

Researchers from Northwestern University demonstrate a robot called Scooter that is programmed to refuse to go past a virtual surface. This innovation is part of a new class of collaborative robots called cobots, which are designed to work with humans safely and efficiently.