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Giant 'Leap' for Robotics

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the omni-consumer-products dept.

legoburner writes "An AFP article is reporting that Toyota has developed a robot leg that can jump like a human's, an evolution from today's stiff-jointed machines. The leg is a strange-looking standalone device and Toyota claims it will enable robots to jump about, run faster and handle unpaved roads more smoothly."

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  1. karma whoring here by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    TFA on a link that does work:

    http://www.physorg.com/news77352568.html (google toyota robot leg)

      The one-meter (3.3-foot) leg has a joint on its toe letting it jump as high as four centimeters (1.6 inches) by bending and stretching its toe and another knee-like joint, Japan's top automaker said Wednesday.

    "This is a basic technology that can be applied to a two-legged robot in future," said a Toyota Motor Corp. spokeswoman.

    "It was a difficult step for robots," she said. "But it was made possible after making a number of prototypes."

    Besides the joy of jumping about, robots will also be able to run faster and to handle unpaved roads more smoothly, the company said.

    Toyota, the world's number two automaker which is expected soon to surpass General Motors, has increasingly taken on robot development.

    Toyota humanoids welcomed visitors to the company's pavillion at the 2005 World Expo in Japan, jamming in a brass ensemble and performing hip-hop routines.