Giant 'Leap' for Robotics

legoburner writes "An AFP article is reporting that Toyota has developed a robot leg that can jump like a human's, an evolution from today's stiff-jointed machines. The leg is a strange-looking standalone device and Toyota claims it will enable robots to jump about, run faster and handle unpaved roads more smoothly."

Article not found

[dryekindrew]

It just says article not found. The picture works though.

Re:Article not found

[Anonymous Coward]

it hasnt got a leg to stand on - oh..

Re:

[gaber1187]

This leg will be one man's secret desire in "The Christmas Story 2012".

Re:

[Anonymous Coward]

You just click the link, click "Select prior issue", set the date to 14-09-2006, click "Go", go back to the "Article not found" page and refresh.

Re:

[BillGod]

Oh My GOD I just pee's myself

Re:Article not found

[legoburner]

The link worked when I submitted it over 36 hours ago. Ah well, slow editors, here is an alternate link to the same AFP syndicated story: physorg [physorg.com] and also Yahoo [yahoo.com].

Re:

[70Bang]

I think it's the original redirect. If you go here [google.com], click "Giant Leap for Robotics", it'll take you to the dead link.

So you can take the directions below a few messages.

If you couple it with this one...

[rtyall]

Bionic Arm [slashdot.org] + Bionic Leg [slashdot.org] = 1 step closer to becoming 6 Million Dollar Man [imdb.com]

Re:If you couple it with this one...

[MrNaz]

I bet they'll cost an arm and a leg though.

Re:

[James McGuigan]

Though if it was only half that price, it would be a bargin. New legs for old.

Re:If you couple it with this one...

[imsabbel]

Even as a child i wondered just HOW that robotic arm could lift up a car... if its connected to a rather normal shoulder....

Re:

[feepness]

The same way a martian lander could fall back from space and go crazy trying to kill everyone?

That is until Bigfoot came and rescued them.

Re:

[badodds]

That used to really puzzle me too. My concern was he needed a bionic back otherwise he was going to throw his back out one of these days. But I suppose that wouldn't help if your bionic arm tore out of your non-bionic shoulder.

Re:If you couple it with this one...

[Walt Dismal]

Who needs an arm? Hello, World Cup, thank you Mr. Roboto! Soccer will never be the same again.

However, things will not be complete until someone develops a French head-butting robot.

Re:

[AcidLacedPenguiN]

surely the Zidane-bot would put the fear of god in ALL of us. We can only hope that doesn't come to pass.

Re:

[StarfishOne]

Just be careful not to say anything bad about the Zidane-bot's robotic sister. :D

Re:If you couple it with this one...

[pcgabe]

Who needs an arm? Hello, World Cup

Argentina [youtube.com] has expressly asked for the arm...

You have to admit..

[Plutonite]

He was good. I mean, he was really really good:

He didn't punch that Italian bastard in the face, he didn't kick him or even head-butt him in the head - he went for the most elegant solution possible under those circumstances and head-butted him in the chest. He managed to get him on the ground without bloodshed.

Zidane is pure-100%-made in France genius, and you can teach a robot all sorts of hopping tricks, but it would be impossible to get them to behave in such ingenius ways should someone cuss their moth

Re:

[Atheose]

Zidane angry, Zidane SMASH!

Re:

[StuckInSyrup]

And after the 6 million are gone, we are left with something like this: http://giger.com/ArtDesign/DesignGallery/Sculpture Works01.jsp [giger.com]

Re:

[daddymac]

As I recall the 6 million dollar man could jump a lot higher than the 4 centimeters this leg would give him.

I seem to recall MIT building a on legged hopping robot [mit.edu] back in, oh... 1988. Sure, it doesn't look as "human" as toyota's leg, but toyota's doesn't seem any more impressive than MIT's. Maybe I'm missing the point.

Impressive? In the fact that I couldn't build one yes, but 4 centimeters? ehh. I have a wind-up plastic kangaroo that can do back flips, that didn't make slashdot's front page.

ahh yes

[macadamia_harold]

we are but one step closer to the fearsome reign of Robot Nixon. [cafepress.com]

yeah but,

[DohnJoe]

does it run linux?

*ducks*

Re:yeah but,

[OnesAndNoughts]

I hop so...

Re:

[Anonymous Coward]

Don't jump to conclusions!

Re:yeah but,

[HugePedlar]

It's times like this that I wish there was a "-1 Lame" moderation option.

Get it? Lame? Oh, come on.

Re:

[Infinityis]

The hard part is getting it to boot

Re:

[TapeCutter]

"does it run linux?"

No, but it still a "kick arse" machine.

Conjecture

[BadAnalogyGuy]

Considering the required latency requirements, this thing doesn't run Linux.

Re:Conjecture

[WindBourne]

Yeah, you would never use linux [realtimeli...dation.org]. Instead, you would use a hard real time OS [fsmlabs.com] that are used heavily in jets or rockets [windriver.com].

Re:

[BadAnalogyGuy]

It's probably a good idea to emphasize that RTLinux ISN'T Linux. It is a minimal real-time core upon which the Linux kernel runs. The core can pre-empt the Linux kernel to handle real-time requests.

Re:

[TapeCutter]

"required latency requirements"

Well done BAG, extra redundancy points for the redundant bit.

!run... hop

[kj_in_ottawa]

I think at best it could "hop quickly" linux... now a pair of robotic legs hooked up through a robotic crotch could run linux .-.-. -.- .--- ...-.-

Monty Python foot?

[iqeaten]

Uncanny -- that looks exactly like the Slashdot 'funny' icon.

One small Jump

[EqualSlash]

One Small Jump for a Robo; One Giant Leap for Robokind

karma whoring here

[Anonymous Coward]

TFA on a link that does work:

http://www.physorg.com/news77352568.html [physorg.com] (google toyota robot leg)

  The one-meter (3.3-foot) leg has a joint on its toe letting it jump as high as four centimeters (1.6 inches) by bending and stretching its toe and another knee-like joint, Japan's top automaker said Wednesday.

"This is a basic technology that can be applied to a two-legged robot in future," said a Toyota Motor Corp. spokeswoman.

"It was a difficult step for robots," she said. "But it was made possible after making a number of prototypes."

Besides the joy of jumping about, robots will also be able to run faster and to handle unpaved roads more smoothly, the company said.

Toyota, the world's number two automaker which is expected soon to surpass General Motors, has increasingly taken on robot development.

Toyota humanoids welcomed visitors to the company's pavillion at the 2005 World Expo in Japan, jamming in a brass ensemble and performing hip-hop routines.

Run faster?

[odourpreventer]

Is there yet any robot that can actually walk? By walking, I mean walk like a human, where each step is slight fall forward, and not walk like current robots, where balance is kept at all times.

If such a robot exists, can someone please post a link?

Re:Run faster?

[Anonymous Coward]

I hate to send a slashdotting to such a nice group of guys, but the Big Dog made by Boston Dynamics might be what you are looking for.
http://www.bdi.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog [bdi.com]

While it doesn't have 2 legged operation it does operate in the "falling forward" way of walking. Check out that video where the guy gives it a swift kick to the side and it just sways and regains it's balance. Looks uncannily lifelike.

Re:

[Halo1]

Strange that in spite of how lifelike it is, they switched around the bending curve of the of the front and hind legs compared to real animals.

Re:

[gwjenkins]

If anyone is interested in looking at more conventional 2 and 3 legged passive dynamic walkers here's a nice article on a tinkertoy version [cornell.edu] and a site with lots of video [umich.edu] of one that needs a mechanic's workshop rather than a toybox.

A couple of years back when I was looking around at this sort of thing I found video of a great little robot with a couple of legs that spun them rather than swinging them... it was amazingly fast. But I can't find the link again :(

Re:

[Gleng]

That's absolutely amazing. I think I have a new contender for Best Video Ever.

That little bastard looks so happy trotting around like that!

Re:

[HeroreV]

That is by far the creepiest looking robot I have ever seen.

Re:

[ghyd]

In the four legged category there is the robot mule wich apparently can handle unbalance issues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3W8dm5JxFc [youtube.com]

Re:

[tsjaikdus]

spring flamingo developed at MIT is 'sort of' such a robot. However, it is on a stick to keep it from falling sideways

Re:

[fireboy1919]

What you're talking about is called "dynamic stability."

Most two legged robots are statically stable.

However, most one legged robots are *not* - they're dynamically stable.
So essentially, this is a solution to that problem.

It's not the first one, though. There are tons of pogostick-like one-legged robots.

I'm curious to see what thing Toyota did that makes it worth noting, as the article doesn't mention anything special.

Re:

[Anonymous Coward]

What's worthing noting about this bot is the toe... as it says in TFA. :-)

Re:

[fireboy1919]

Not the first one with a toe, either. :/

Re:

[SnowZero]

I depends on what you really mean by balance. FYI QRIO and ASIMO have already demonstrated running capability (though just barely). You are specifically talking about walking though, but obviously a running robot is falling, and thus demonstrating some of the capability that you'd like to see. Their fastest walks are probably still balanced in the ZMP-always-inside-foot sense, although the exact methods are closely gaurded secrets by their respective companies. A robot that maintains the ZMP inside its

Re:

[pontifier]

There was an aticle in Science News last year about robots that have a more natural gait.

you can find it HERE [sciencenews.org].

Re:

[odourpreventer]

I have seen the Honda ASIMO videos. I have actually seen the robot LIVE on Robocup in Japan. Our humanoid booth was next to the stage where all humanoids performed.

I have NEVER seen that robot walk like a human. I have NEVER seen that robot do anything that resembles running.

Hot

[brian0918]

Check out the robo-child-bearing thighs on that sexbot!

robocop + stormtrooper

[nihaopaul]

i'm sorry thats just sick, that leg reminds me of that machine in robocop and a starwars stormtrooper!

Re:

[GooberToo]

Hopefully someone will mod you funny. I actually heard Bender's voice in my head the first time I read that post. And no, I normally don't hear voices in my head. ;)

Maybe it's just me...

[Tumbleweed]

...but that thing looks like it goes, "boing! boing! boing!" in operation. :)

Read it here

[Anonymous Coward]

You can read the article here [zaman.com], here [aljazeera.net] or here [google.com].

Re:

[SharpFang]

Who'd think... A link to Al Jazeera in a tech article on Slashdot, and on topic, not a troll...

Re:

[14CharUsername]

Al Jazeera is actually a more reliable news source than CNN now. Sad but true.

Giant Leap for Robot Artificial Intelligence

[Anonymous Coward]

Robot AI Mind.Forth [sourceforge.net] goes beyond mere jumping and gives a robot the smarts for thinking like a human being.

Artificial life for robots [sourceforge.net] is the joint development of a sound mind in a sound body for jump-for-Joy robots.

The Joint Stewardship of Earth [wikocracy.com] lets robots jump into a position of equality with human beings in running the planet Earth.

Technological Singularity by 2012 [blogcharm.com] will be the Great Leap Forward in the co-evolution of intelligent humans and superintelligent robots.

JavaScript for AI [sourceforge.net] describes h

Re:

[Dogsbody_D]

Don't mod him up, he's a mentalist. AI4U, Mentifex, Arthur T. Murray. He's a known crackpot who has been bugging genuine AI researchers for years. Oh, but, dear Slashdot reader, you always support the underdog you say, big business and academia always ignore the maverick genius. Alright then, go on and waste your time reading the links and come back to us with a report...

Standalone leg

[CxDoo]

Anyone else found this bit funny?

Where's the...

[WgT2]

Where's the mount to put it on my boat?

obligatory

[owlnation]

I for one welcome our new bouncy overlords.

I for one ..

[ms1234]

.. welcome our jumping robotic overlords. It had to be said.

A great step (hop) forward for robot comedians

[rosbif]

At last robots can do the Pete'n'Dud unidexter sketch - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Leg_Too_Few [wikipedia.org]

Should come with an Aibo...

[QuantumFTL]

At last, now there is something an Aibo can properly hump. Here boy!

Dufflepods

[Analogy Man]

Put on an ugly gnome face and a great big boot and you've got yourself a Dufflepod from C.S. Lewis "Voyage of the Dawn Treader".

But what is the sound of one leg kicking?

[jpellino]

And then overbalancing and falling to the ground in a heap.

Isn't the top part supposed to be shiny metal?

Re:

[mcmonkey]

Isn't the top part supposed to be shiny metal?

I believe the only requirement is the, um, posterior be shiny metal.

Dog leg

[Kaeles]

I think its a bit ironic that it really looks like a dog or horse leg more than a humans. Maybe we should just study how animals walk, they seem more adapted to it than us anyways.

Just need a lamp shade, and...

[volpe]

It's a major award!!! [redriderleglamps.com]

Cross between...

[amightywind]

Looks like they took one of Asimo's legs and stuck it on one of their outboard motors. I suppose you could use this thing to free your boat if it runs a ground.

Wow, huge thigh muscle!

[multipartmixed]

Toyota must be working on a robot that will really kick some Asimo!

Oh Noes!

[DrKyle]

Who will save us from these robots once the evil Dr Wily takes control?
Megaman!
(seriously, anyone else think it looks like this one? [freexbresse.free.fr]

Competition

[Anonymous Coward]

Looks like they got a leg up on the competition

Baby got back

[wonkavader]

Ok, she's got a nice leg there, but look at that BEEHIND! Damn! Baby!

Call me and 80's Kid....

[Joseph Hayes]

... But with all the great anime and cartoons from Japan featuring giant robots, I think they might make it a reality some day. How freakin' awesome would it be to come to work some day and see in the headlines that Japan built a 50' tall robot for their national defense? A Voltron force maybe? Screw the idea of getting on the horn with G.W. and the U.N. when North Korea test fires missiles in your general direction, just land a Gundam on the lawn of their capital building to get your message across! Th

One fatal flaw

[edwardpickman]

In an ass kicking contest it wouldn't stand a chance.

Re:

[rubycodez]

it would win, it has no ass

anyone noticed?

[TheCreeep]

Did you see the big box thingy on top of the robot leg? If you put two of those legs together you'll have a huge robot butt on your hands.

Robot leg says

[Schwarzchild]

"I fight for Xev!"

Good Numbers for Toyota

[Flwyd]

So now not only can I hope for a high number of miles per gallon out of a new Prius, I can also hope for lots of vertical feet per gallon.

Use in robots?

[Kouroth]

While I see the advantage of bipedal robots I can't help but think we may be going to wrong direction. Four or even six legs are far more stable and efficient. I'd like to see more work on centaur-like robots in the house. This type of design would allow them to interact in normal human ways but also carry much more. Not only that, kids could ride the robots around! Or maybe even bear-like robots that can stand upright and walk around when needed but drop to all fours when going long distances or carrying l

Why this leg is significant

[Animats]

What you're looking at is a one-legged hopper. Locomotion researchers find it useful to work on one-legged hoppers because the system is simple enough to be analyzed analytically.

The new feature of this leg seems to be that it has three active joints with sufficient power behind them for jumping. Most legged robots, such as the BDI Big Dog [bdi.com], only have two active joints in the leg, although some have a weak or passive ankle. This is enough to position the leg to any point in the working envelope, and it's not obvious what a third joint buys you. ASIMO has an "ankle", but it's used only to align the foot with the ground, not for active running; ASIMO runs flat-footed, not on the ball of the foot. This Toyota machine seems to have both an ankle and a toe joint.

This is a big win, as I described back in 1995 in my "Why Legs have Three Joints" [animats.com] paper. With three joints involved in running and jumping, you gain control over the force vector for ground contact, which allows slip control. Also, the hip joint (which is usually the most powerful) can be used more effectively; the lower joints position the leg so that the hip muscles can do most of the work. For humans, this is subtle, because the ankle-toe distance is small. It's much clearer for horses, where the hind leg has three sections of roughly equal length.

Re:

[Animats]

Just for fun, here's the video from our 1995 simulation work mentioned above. [youtube.com] This shows a passive ankle, though; it's just used to sense the ground angle for slip control. That's the first requirement for dealing with rough terrain. Those "crutch tip" feet that many legged robots use don't give you any info about the ground angle.

All it needs is an umbrella

[Lead Butthead]

And we have instant Karakasas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakasa [wikipedia.org]