Ape-like Robot, Called RoboSimian, Under Construction at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Posted on August 20, 2013
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Stanford are building a simian-inspired limbed robot to participate in the DARPA Robotics Challenge. RoboSimian does not look much like an ape in the artist's interpretation above, but it does seem more ape-like when climbing. RoboSimian will use its four limbs and hands to achieve passively stable stances, It will be able to create multi-point anchored connections to supports such as ladders, railings, and stair treads. RoboSimian can also brace itself during forceful manipulation operations.
This video shows RoboSimian being constructed at JPL as well as simulations of the finished robot. The simulation animation starts at the 1:40 mark in the video. Take a look:
Meanwhile, German researchers are also developing building robotic apes to explore the moon. The race to build the very best ape robots has begun.