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Squirrel-Inspired Robot Salto Achieves Limited Success in Upright Landings

Researchers have developed Salto, a one-legged robot that mimics squirrel agility to leap between narrow surfaces, though consistent upright balance remains a challenge.

  • Salto, a one-legged robot inspired by squirrel movements, can leap between narrow surfaces and attempt upright landings.
  • The robot uses a novel strategy of modulating radial forces to control its balance during landings, mimicking how squirrels stabilize themselves.
  • Equipped with a claw-like gripper and posture adjustment capabilities, Salto landed on narrow surfaces in 25 out of 30 trials but achieved upright balance in only two instances.
  • The research, published in Science Robotics, highlights potential applications for agile robots in construction, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief.
  • Future improvements to Salto’s gripper and balance control mechanisms are needed to enhance its performance and reliability.
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