Cheetah robot sets new speed record
Boston Dynamics' Cheetah robot has set a new land speed record for legged robots, running at up to 18mph.
The four-footed, bio-inspired robot relies on an articulated back that flexes back and forth on each step, thereby increasing its stride and running speed, much like a cheetah.
Developed as part of DARPA's Maximum Mobility and Manipulation programme, it is powered by an off-board hydraulic pump and uses a boom-like device to keep it running in the centre of the treadmill.
Boston Dynamics says it plans to start testing a free running Cheetah capable of operating more naturally later this year.
