Dog-like robots’ latest ability? Walking across 6-cm-wide beams

Italian researchers have developed a four-legged robot that has better balance than most humans.

While we all know Spot, the dog-like robot developed by Massachusetts-based robotics company Boston Dynamics, there’s a new (currently unnamed) four-legged machine in town created by researchers from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Italy.

Though Spot has been shown exhibiting dog-like movements while completing tasks like jumping, walking over rough terrain, and even herding sheep, all these things can only be accomplished on a solid, expansive surface. The Italians’ take on the quadruped robot has an ability that Spot doesn’t: the ability to balance itself — all 90 kilograms — on and walk across 6-centimeter-wide beams. How the research team designed this skill is outlined in a paper published late last week.

Both Spot and the Italian robot dog have been designed with productivity in mind; they are being created to help humans and to assist them with tasks that could be deemed too dangerous for a person. On the other hand in other parts of the world, dog robots are being built for the sole purpose of entertainment.

In Japan, Sony’s digital creatures laboratory developed Aibo, a robot dog that looks and acts like a real pup complete with barking and owner recognition. The most recent version of Aibo has beagle-like coloring and can act as a security guard strolling through its owner’s home while they’re away.

Dog-like robots are proving themselves useful in more ways than one — from assisting healthcare professionals to comforting those in need of companionship. Over the next few years, you’re sure to see some four-legged bots out and about helping businesses — you may even invite one into your home. RGA

RELATED STORIES: 

Developers can now program the actions of Sony’s robot dog AIBO

WATCH: Researchers create human-like skin case for phones, tablets