Scientists at Bielefeld University apply technology inspired
by examples in nature
A research team at Bielefeld University has succeeded in
teaching the only robot of its kind in the world how to walk. Its first steps
have been recorded in a video. You can watch them in Bielefeld University’s
latest posting on ‘research_tv’. The robot is called Hector, and its
construction is modelled on a stick insect. Inspired by the insect, Hector has
passive elastic joints and an ultralight exoskeleton. What makes it unique is
that it is also equipped with a great number of sensors and it functions according
to a biologically inspired decentralized reactive control concept: the Walknet.
By 2017, the walking robot will be equipped with additional abilities in a
major project at the Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Interaction Technology
(CITEC).