Today scientists are creating cool designs with smoother moves.Let's check out the science behind four awesome robots.
TYPES |
HOW IT WORKS |
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU |
THR3
| The twolegged walking robot imitates the way people move. A human operator wears a headset with cameras that show what the robot "sees". The human can then control the robot's actions with his or her own human movements. | With a human helper, THR3 could assist people in medical facilities, burning buildings, construction sites, and even space. Its creators hope that THR3 will learn to do some tasks itself one day... like, say, your chores, maybe? |
SHAPESHIFTING | When a scientist programs in a shape, the motors change different parts of the surface to make it look like whatever the scientist wants! The shapeshifting robot can be programmed to look like just about anything small and enter tiny space. | In addition to helping scientists secretly observe animals, the shapeshifting robot might one day be used to create more immersive virtual reality experiences. Imagine being able to touch objects in your VR game and not just see them! |
SALTO
| Rescuers have long used remotecontrolled robots to search through rubble. But what's special about Salto is its jumping ability, enabling it to reach places humans can't. Twisted rubber bands in its legs make it bouncy enough to leap to high spaces. | Salto's not just helpful in emergencies. Its technology might one day help fetch things from hardtoreach places in your home, like that candy bar you hid on the top shelf of the cupboard. |
SPOTMINI
| The fourlegged robot is designed to help with house chores. With its extendable arms, Spotmini can unload dishes and put them in high shelves, grab debris (碎片) in hardtoreach places. It can even climb stairs. | Experts say future homes will have robots doing chores so that people have more free time. Instead of earning your allowance by taking out the garbage, you might be doing robot repairs instead. |