On Monday, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced its newest creation, the "Cheetah 3," a remarkable four-legged robot designed to assist humans in challenging situations. This advanced machine has been meticulously engineered to handle tasks that are far too perilous for human intervention. According to reports, the primary aim of this cutting-edge robot is to conduct search and rescue operations within the next half-decade. One of its anticipated initial assignments could very well be aiding in the ongoing monitoring of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. As history recalls, the devastating tsunami of 2011 inflicted significant damage on Japan, and while six years have passed, the affected areas remain under constant scrutiny due to lingering radiation risks.
The "Cheetah 3" is specifically built to navigate and perform search-and-rescue missions in areas too hazardous for humans to tread. Principal Investigator Sang-bae Kim expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "These robots will be capable of detecting emergencies and relaying critical information to human operators who can then respond accordingly. My passion lies in exploring the potential of legged robots."
Kim and his team showcased the latest iteration of their robot at the TechCrunch Robotics Symposium, held in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Unlike wheeled robots, the "Cheetah 3" boasts legs that enable it to traverse uneven terrains, climb stairs, and navigate spaces filled with obstacles more effectively. While there are numerous online videos capturing instances where robots stumble and fall, the MIT team assured the public that the "Cheetah 3" maintains balance even when faced with challenges such as lifting one leg or overcoming obstacles. Although the current model still grapples with adapting to the MIT campus's roads, its predecessor has demonstrated the ability to sprint at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and effortlessly leap over minor hurdles.
According to CBS, the "Cheetah 3" weighs a mere 90 pounds and consumes less energy than a typical microwave oven. However, its legs generate enough power to rival that of a car. Its smooth movements are attributed to its 12 joints, which are powered by electric motors. Unlike Boston Dynamics' BigDog robot, which is renowned for its anthropomorphic quadruped design and funded by DARPA, the "Cheetah" series lacks the same level of balance but excels in maneuverability. Additionally, the battery life of Boston Dynamics' robots limits their operational duration to just 45 minutes, making them unsuitable for the intricate exploratory missions envisioned by MIT researchers for the "Cheetah 3."
As this technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for its applications seem endless. From disaster zones to remote areas requiring surveillance, the "Cheetah 3" represents a significant leap forward in robotics engineering. Its creators hope that it will soon become an indispensable tool in the hands of those tasked with safeguarding lives and property in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
[Original English source: Techcrunch; Compiled by NetEase Intelligence; Robot Review by Ecale]
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