Megatron and Optimus Prime are gone! Swiss engineers have designed a four-wheeled robot which can be repositioned on its hind feet and turn like a performer poodle.
Developed by ETH Zürich spin-off Swiss-Mile, the agile bot that can reach speeds of up to 14 mph (23 kph) is the latest iteration of the ‘ANYMal’ robot concept.
The design — which superficially resembles Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, Spot — has previously been shown using its AI to get back up after being kicked over.
A new video shows the robot performing its standing feat, as well as wheeling around and making ascending and descending steps.
Scroll down to see the video
Megatron and Optimus Prime have been forgotten! Swiss engineers have designed a four-wheeled robot which can be repositioned on its hind feet and turn like a performing pet dog (as shown in the photograph).
Developed by ETH Zürich spin-off Swiss-Mile, the automaton (pictured here on the road) that can reach speeds of up to 14 mph (23 kph) is the latest iteration of the ‘ANYMal’ concept
‘It’s a car, quadruped, and humanoid!’ explained roboticist and ANYmal developer Marko Bjelonic of ETH Zürich. Pictured: ANYMal is a spiritual successor to Optimus Prime (pictured), and the other Transformers in the animated cartoon/film/toy franchise. Many of these Transformers could switch between being vehicles and humanoid characters and back again.
explained roboticist and ANYmal developer Marko Bjelonic of ETH Zürich.
‘Our wheeled-legged robot performs exceptional locomotion skills with reinforcement learning driving at speeds of up to 6.2 m/s (22.32 km/h or 13.87 miles/h), overcoming obstacles and standing up on two legs.’
According to Swiss-Mile, their ANYMal robot is expected to find application in so-called ‘last mile’ delivery challenges.
This is the the movement of goods from a large-scale transport hub to a recipient at a specific destination.
‘With both legs and wheels, our robot outperforms state-of-the-art wheeled delivery platforms as well as lightweight delivery drones,’ Dr Bjelonic added.
The team claims that ANYMal is up to 83 per cent more efficient than comparable legged robots.
The robot, Swiss-Mile continued, can carry a maximum payload of110 lb (50 kg).
It’s the only method that can carry tools, goods and sensors long distances without sacrificing speed or energy, as well as overcoming difficult obstacles like stairs and steps.
Anymal’s design allows for seamless navigation both indoors and outdoors, according to he.
A new video shows the robot performing its standing feat as well as wheeling around and making ascending and descending steps (as shown in this image).
The design — which superficially resembles Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, Spot — has previously been shown using its AI to get back up after being kicked over (pictured)
Dr. Bjelonic said, “It is the only method capable of transporting tools, materials and goods over long distances, with energy efficiency and speed, while crossing challenging obstacles like stairs and steps.”
The urban population [ratio] is 74 per cent in Switzerland and 56 per cent worldwide,’ Swiss-Mile explained on their website.
“This will continue to grow in the future. Smart solutions are needed in order for cities to be more liveable.
‘With this growth, more goods are being moved from place to place than ever before,’ they continued — leading, they noted, to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions and traffic congestion unless better solutions can be developed.
They concluded that “This last-mile delivery challenge calls for small-scale electric and autonomous solutions,” just like ANYMal.
Dr. Bjelonic stated that the robot can outperform both lightweight and state-of-the art wheeled delivery platforms.
ANYmal’s design, Dr Bjelonic added, also enables ‘seamless navigation in indoor and outdoor urban environments’. The robot wheel is shown traversing natural terrain.