ISI Labs (Intelligent Systems and Informatics Labs) has developed a quadruped robot dubbed PIGORASS. This dog-like robot is made of ABS plastic and carbon-fiber reinforced plastics, and it is 13" long weighing 8.8 lbs (4 kg). The actuation comes from 10 springs and 10 "artificial muscles" driven pneumatically by compressed air.
According to ISI, the movements of the robot are not programmed. Instead, the bot uses a spinobulbar system, sending signals via the "spinal cord" to and from the muscle's neural oscillators. Switching between firing signals from the front and back legs can create a "galloping motion." In the end, the motions can be unpredictable, causing the bot to move its limbs but not move forward. The team explained on their website, "In the jumping experiment… the extension of the hip joint makes the tension of the rectus femoris strong, and as a result, the knee joint is extended. In this way, we showed a part of function of mechanism that generates motions. We aim [to clarify] the role that the musculoskeletal system plays through further analyses.”
The team is also responsible for the jumping robot, Mowgli, and the running bot (that wears shorts), Athlete Robot. However, PIGORASS pails in comparison to their prior bots. PIGORASS seems like it is just a giant toy that tries to move is the easiest way possible. I will admit, the movement signal system is impressive.
Eavesdropper
