Abstract
Realizing animals’ magnificent dynamic movements in robots is next big challenge in many future robot applications. In contrast to manufacturing as a main task for conventional robots, mobile robots’ tasks including disaster response often involve exploring unexpected areas and performing physical work in dangerous environments. The process of ‘principle extraction’ from biology is a critical step toward the practical adoptation of nature’s design. The embodiment of such innovations includes Stickybot that employs the world’s first synthetic directional dry adhesive inspired by geckos, and the MIT Cheetah, designed after the fastest land animal. The design principles for mobile robots in structures, actuation and control algorithms applied in the MIT Cheetah will be presented during the talk. The Kim’s creations are opening new frontiers in robotics and leading to advanced mobile robots that can save lives in dangerous situations, and new all-around robotic transportation systems for the mobility-impaired.