On Monday, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) unveiled its newest creation, the "Cheetah 3," a cutting-edge search-and-rescue robot designed to assist humans in perilous situations. This four-legged marvel is equipped with advanced capabilities, making it a promising tool for future disaster response efforts. The ultimate aim of this innovative machine is to conduct search-and-rescue operations within the next five years. One of its initial targets might be the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. As we recall, the devastating tsunami in 2011 wreaked havoc on the region, causing significant damage to the plant and releasing radioactive materials into the surrounding areas. Despite the passage of six years, these areas still require constant monitoring.
The "Cheetah 3" is specially engineered to navigate and perform search-and-rescue tasks in environments too hazardous for humans. Principal investigator Sang-bae Kim expressed his enthusiasm for this project, stating, "These robots will be capable of detecting emergencies and alerting human operators to take appropriate actions." Kim's research focuses heavily on the development of legged robots, which he believes hold immense potential for practical applications.
Kim and his team showcased the latest iteration of the Cheetah 3 at the TechCrunch Robotics Symposium in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Unlike wheeled robots, the Cheetah 3's leg design allows it to traverse rough terrains, climb stairs, and move through cluttered spaces with greater ease. While there are many videos online showing previous versions of the robot stumbling and falling, the MIT team guarantees that even under challenging conditions, the Cheetah 3 maintains its balance and avoids tipping over.
The Cheetah 3 weighs just 90 pounds, consuming less energy than a typical microwave oven, yet its legs generate enough power to match that of a car. Its movements are incredibly fluid, thanks to its 12 electric motors controlling the joints. In contrast to Boston Dynamics' BigDog robot, which is powered by hydraulics and known for its impressive balance, the Cheetah series offers enhanced maneuverability. Boston Dynamics' robots are limited by their 45-minute battery life, making them unsuitable for the complex exploratory missions envisioned by MIT researchers.
While the current version of the Cheetah 3 is still adapting to the campus roads at MIT, its predecessor could already sprint at 30 miles per hour and easily overcome small obstacles. The combination of power efficiency and advanced mobility makes the Cheetah 3 a groundbreaking advancement in robotics technology.
As highlighted by CBS, the Cheetah 3 represents a leap forward in robotic engineering. Unlike Boston Dynamics' creations, which are primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through DARPA, MIT's work is driven by civilian and humanitarian goals. The Cheetah 3's ability to operate in diverse and unpredictable environments positions it as a vital asset for future rescue operations, offering hope in the face of natural disasters and other crises.
[English source: TechCrunch; Compiled by NetEase Intelligent Review Robot: Ecale]
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