The OSU Dynamic Robotics Laboratory’s research team, led by Agility Robotics’ Jonathan Hurst, combined expertise from biomechanics and robot controls with new machine learning tools to accomplish something new: train a bipedal robot to run a full 5K on a single battery charge. This was an industry-first.
Cassie (2017-2019) was the previous robot of Agility Robotics. Cassie is a highly capable, rugged, bipedal research platform in use by numerous customers. With all-day battery life, an open architecture that provides access to low-level controls, and 3 years of included support, Cassie is the world’s best tool for pioneering new control methods for legged locomotion, and associated technologies. The final Cassie delivery occurred in July 2019 and it is no longer available for purchase.
Agility Robotics employees are applying this research to Digit which will help do last-mile deliveries and work in retail stores.
Agility Robotics has $28.8 million in funding and is partnering with Ford.
Digit is now on its third version. It addresses the mobility limitations of traditional robots, so that machines can work in environments designed for humans. Digit features robust walking and running gaits, perception to enable stair climbing and autonomous navigation in unstructured environments, and arms for basic manipulation tasks. Major features include:
Upper torso with integrated sensing, computing, and two 4-DOF arms
Extra bay for additional computing and custom payload integration
2-DOF feet for improved balance and stability on a wide variety of surfaces.
Sealed joints for all-weather outdoor operation.
UN 38.3 certified battery for cargo air shipment.
Comprehensive software API that leverages our controls, perception and autonomy algorithms to develop end-user applications
Low level API for customers wanting to develop their own controller
SOURCES- Agility Robotics
Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
When my friend first saw the Cassie robot, his instant reaction was "twerkbot"
You probably shouldn't google that, but if you do, watch the Basement Jaxx video "Never Say Never"
What is with the super bland people in this kind of promotion? The "mom" and the daughter are both dressed in pastel green sweaters and have this barely animated smile on their faces.. It reminds me of a nursing home for elderly people in the general "feel" in the video…
First off, really unimpressive.
The robots have this clumsy "hopping" gait pioneered by Boston Dynamics. Haven't they solved this yet? And the speed is really lackluster, just about walking pace while participating in a "race".. And if you don't need to walk, a human would not "hop in place", but rather shift his/her weight from one foot to the other, which would be far more energetically efficient.
Furthemore, the humanoid robot does not use the arms as counterweights when neutralizing the rotation of the torso that is due to the "off center" position of the two legs..
So it really looks like robotics is stuck in a "local minima" with respect to the walking and moving.
I also cannot understand why they would like to have thick cables hanging out from the legs. Surely there must be a non-zero chance of getting these wires "snagged" in something? And then there is this long, thin rod from the "hip" to the back of the "knee joint". A hefty bump may bend this thin rod, making the robot useless.
It's the neck without a head that I find creepy. The walking I don't mind.
It may be the digitigrade walking style. Makes it look distinctly non-human, like an animal, and so deftly avoids the uncanny valley.
Password reset just brings me back to this page. Any advice?
Very creepy. Just use wheels, or tractor treads for marginal conditions. Doesn't have to be available everywhere, all the time.
Why so loud? Pretty certain that's not it's foot-fall sound.
And it looks like it uses electric motors.
Kind of sounds like a vacuum pump – air actuators?
I actually find it less threatening…not as tall..all gangly arms you could indeed overpower. Anything with hydraulics? That’s another matter.
So is a decapitated humanoid really the best shape for public acceptance?
eat your words… boston dynamics does snow and it is marvelous…
agreed. if they can only do nice weather and forgiveable surfaces… not sure they are replacing humans doing menial/unpleasant work…
Please show us how they do snow in upstate NY/ Minnesota, mid-February, then I will be very impressed.