Complexity Digest 2004.24 - 02.02

14-Jun-2004

Robotic Rock-Climber Takes Its First Steps, NewScientist Bookmark and Share

Excerpts: A robotic mountaineer, which could one day help rescue people trapped by earthquakes or even explore rock faces on Mars, has taken its first steps. The spider-like robot, called Lemur, has a central body and four triple-jointed limbs. Its gait bears a spooky resemblance to that of a human rock-climber. Lemur can already pull itself up an irregular surface without any guidance from a controller, although it needs to be told where the holds are first. The ultimate goal is for Lemur to determine the best path up a cliff all by itself.
Lemur's ascent