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Two Legged Robot Sets Speed Record

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers in Germany and Scotland have made the fastest two-legged robot yet (for its size) called RunBot. It is controlled by a simple program that mimics the way neurons control reflexes in humans and other animals. From the article: 'We wanted to show that a very simple system with a simple neuronal controller could walk in a natural manner - and fast,' says Florentin Wörgötter, from the University of Göttingen in Germany. The story also features couple of videos of RunBot in action."

8 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. Runnin' by filtur · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'll feel safe as long as I can still outrun our robot overlords.

  2. Re:Cheetah by x2A · · Score: 4, Funny

    Ah, the famous two-legged cheetah... probably yeah.

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  3. It's a start, but.... by Giant+Ape+Skeleton · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...I won't be impressed until a two-robot team wins a three-legged race.

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    The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
  4. First video by cejones · · Score: 5, Funny

    I love how it busts right at the end of video 1. They should have a sensor on its head to sensor when the head touches the ground.. . That should trigger a Homer-esque "D'oh!"

  5. Re:How is it fast compared to a human? by ShaniaTwain · · Score: 4, Funny

    How many leg-length per second can the "average" human achieve?
     
    A lot less than this thing once its perfected and turned into a meat-powered robot.

    What the hell are thoses scientists up to? Why don't we just go ahead and program them to bat us around a bit before they eat us?
     
      Sheeesh.

  6. Oblig. Simpsons by MaXiMiUS · · Score: 5, Funny

    C:\DOS
    C:\DOS\RUN
    RUN DOS RUN

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  7. Re:Runbot by MickLinux · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah, I know that the dynamics of running -- one leap after another -- are possibly more complicated than, and definitely different than the dynamics for walking. Nonetheless, I always used to like our cross-country club races (when I did run CC, and later when I'd watch my brother run) in the Shenandoah Valley. There were a few "English walkers" who would outwalk quite a few runners. That includes me. It's just a little embarassing to be struggling along, still leaping from leg to leg in that slow hobble that we call "long distance running", and have somebody breezily walk past you (same direction) and offer a little how-do-you-do.

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  8. The million-dollar robot by Kingrames · · Score: 5, Funny

    But can they build him faster? stronger?

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