Soccerbots Learn How To Fall Gracefully

wjousts writes "Up until now, most work with humanoid robotics has focused on keeping them upright and balanced, but in the real world, falling down is inevitable. So now researcher in Chile are looking at teaching their Soccerbots how to fall down gracefully to minimize damage and allow for a quick recovery. According to a New Scientist article, 'They found that one of the main ways to minimise damage is for the robot to fold its legs underneath it. Among other things, that means the robot is much less likely to hit its head on the ground. Another good strategy is to use a fall sequence consisting of several movements, so the falling body has several points of contact with the ground, spreading the energy of the impact over a large number of joints, rather than taking it all in one disastrous crunch.'"

Comments

This is great

[MichaelSmith]

Every soccer player knows that the most important skill is knowing when and how to fall.

Re:This is great

[centuren]

Every Italian soccer player knows that the most important skill is knowing when and how to fall.

Fixed that for you.

Re:This is great

[basementman]

No the most important skill is to know how to fall and make it look like the other team pushed you.

Re:The essense of Judo

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm partial to the "flail uncontrollably and try taking as many people out with you as you possibly can" move. People do make great cushions, after all.

Re:The essense of Judo

[Thoughts from Englan]

I read that as 'Customers do make great cushions, after all.' I think I've worked in support for far too long...

No, you've worked in support too long when you read that as "Customers make great targets"