Soft Robots Come One step Closer to Humans

The U.S scientist has invented the world's most advanced pair of biomechanical legs to make robotic legs mimic human walking in a biologically accurate and energy efficient manner. 

This new invention by the U.S scientist has brought the goal of a human friendly household robot one step closer.

 The team of University of Arizona engineers who claim to have built a set of robotic legs, said they have a slight up and down movement of human legs, using load sensors in the feet that help a small computer regulate the movement according to the surface.

Anthony Lewis, who worked on the invention with Theresa Klein, both of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona, said, "One of the ideas is that we build what I call soft robots, which can be used around human beings. In this robot, if you push against the legs, they'll give away freely, they won't resist you. But conventional robots derive their heritage from industrial robots and they are very stiff - they wouldn't be safe around grandma. So this is a step in that direction."

The study is being published Friday in the Journal of Neural Engineering detailing how they were able to accomplish this.

This robot features the simplest form of CPG (Central Pattern Generator) with just two neurons that shoot signals alternately to produce a rhythm as well as load sensors that determines the force in the limb.

Each leg consists of a hip, knee and the next phase will be to incorporate vision to control gait as well as other tactile sensors. 

The researchers conclude saying, "The legs are intended for fundamental research into understanding how humans learn to walk, but we hope there could one day be gains for doctors trying to recover walking ability for patients with spinal-cord injuries."