Robotic prosthetic leg uses stronger motors for better performance

Although robotic prosthetic legs do have some advantages over their conventional counterparts, they also have some drawbacks that keep them from entering wider use. A new prototype prosthesis, however, addresses some of those shortcomings.Continue Read… Continue reading Robotic prosthetic leg uses stronger motors for better performance

HAMR-JR is one of the smallest, fastest walking robots ever

It was seven years ago that we first heard about Harvard University’s HAMR cockroach-inspired robot. Although the bot was already on the tiny side, its designers have now created a version that’s just half its size – it’s time to meet HAMR-JR.Continue … Continue reading HAMR-JR is one of the smallest, fastest walking robots ever

Study suggests T. rex’s legs were made for walkin’ – not running

If the Jurassic Park movies are to be believed, Tyrannosaurus rex spent a lot of time quickly chasing down its prey. According to a new study, though, its legs were probably designed more for endurance than for speed.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, … Continue reading Study suggests T. rex’s legs were made for walkin’ – not running

Tiny walking bio-bots get a spinal-cord pep in their step

Six years ago, we first heard about tiny two-legged “bio-bots” that used spinal muscle tissue to walk. Well, they’ve now received a big upgrade, in the form of spinal cord tissue that essentially makes them self-powered.Continue ReadingCategory: Scienc… Continue reading Tiny walking bio-bots get a spinal-cord pep in their step

Walking robot uses neural net to change gaits

Insects rapidly transition between different walking gaits, in response to external stimuli. Scientists have now created a small robot that can do the same thing, utilizing an integrated artificial neural network – the technology might ultimately find … Continue reading Walking robot uses neural net to change gaits

Ant-sized robots move by pickin' up good vibrations

One of them seen here next to a US penny, the robots weigh about 5 milligrams ...

If you’re making a 2-mm-long walking robot, it pretty much goes without saying that the thing won’t be able to carry much of a battery. That’s why Georgia Tech’s new “micro-bristle-bots” are instead propelled by vibrations. And someday, they may actually be capable of moving within the human body.

..
Continue Reading Ant-sized robots move by pickin’ up good vibrations

Category: Robotics

Tags:

Continue reading Ant-sized robots move by pickin' up good vibrations

Experimental prosthetic foot maintains stability on rough terrain

When most of us walk over uneven ground, our feet respond to the dips and humps by flexing the ankle and moving the toes. Prosthetic feet typically don’t do so, often resulting in falls. An experimental new model, however, uses a tripod-like … Continue reading Experimental prosthetic foot maintains stability on rough terrain

A Solar Freakin’ Walkway

Looking to add a little pizzazz to your back garden? Are those strings of lights hung in the trees looking a little dated? Why not try lighting your garden path with DIY solar-powered pavers?

If [jfarro]’s project looks like a miniature version of the much-touted solar freakin’ roadways concept, rest assured that there are huge differences. For one, these lighted pavers actually work — trust me on this; I live not far from the demo site for the Solar Roadways and the degree to which it underwhelms cannot be overstated. Granted, a garden path is a lot simpler to engineer …read more

Continue reading A Solar Freakin’ Walkway