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.


More from Science Space & Robots

  • Boston Dynamics Teases New Electric Atlas Humanoid Robot


  • Researchers Observe Many New Species on Seamounts Off Chile Coast


  • CSU Researchers Forecast Extremely Active Atlantic Hurricane Season


  • Hyundai Motor and Kia Unveil DAL-e Delivery Robot


  • H5N1 Discovered at Texas Egg Facility



  • Latest Tech Products

  • Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip
  • Apple iPad Mini A17 Pro