Scientists have built a raptor-like robot capable of reaching speeds of just over 28 miles per hour, inspired by the speedy dinosaurs in Jurassic Park.
In a remarkable feat of engineering, scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have brought the excitement of the Jurassic era to the modern world with the creation of a super-fast robot, which could even defeat the man himself in a race. Usain Bolt.
While the reality of resurrecting real velociraptors remains within the realm of science fiction, this robotic interpretation brings a part of the ancient world to life, demonstrating the incredible potential of robotics and biomimetics.
Raptor design: speed and stability
The robot, aptly named Raptor, mimics the bipedal stance of its dinosaur namesake. Its design includes two flexible feet made of a carbon fiber and epoxy composite, which contributes to its lightweight structure, according to an article published in Engineering.com magazine.
Each leg is equipped with an Achilles tendon-like shock absorber and a motor to control speed. To maintain balance, Raptor has a counterweighted post that acts as a tail, ensuring stability at high speeds.
These innovative design elements have allowed Raptor to reach a top speed of 46 kilometers per hour, equivalent to 28.5 miles per hour, on a treadmill, surpassing even the fastest human sprinters.
Raptor vs. Speed Humans: breaking records
The Raptor’s recorded top speed of 46 kilometers per hour isn’t just a number; it means the robot’s place as a top sprinter, surpassing even the fastest human, Usain Bolt, whose top speed is slightly slower at 44.7 kilometers per hour.
This achievement underscores the robot’s potential in diverse applications, from sports science to emergency response. However, it is important to note that, as of now, Raptor achieves these speeds while strapped as a stand and connected to a power source, indicating that there is still room to advance in autonomy and energy efficiency.
The development of Raptor marks an important milestone in the field of robotics, but it is not alone in its achievements. In 2022, the ostrich-inspired robot Cassie set a new record by running 100 meters in just 24.73 seconds.
These advances highlight the growing trend of biomimicry in robotics, where engineers draw inspiration from the natural world to solve complex design challenges and improve robots’ capabilities.
As research continues, we can expect to see more robots inspired by extinct and extant creatures, each with unique abilities tailored to specific tasks and environments.
The creation of the Raptor robot represents a convergence of ancient inspiration and modern technology. This high-speed, raptor-like robot shows what is possible when scientists combine a deep understanding of natural biology with advanced engineering and robotics.
As technology continues to evolve, the limits of speed, agility and functionality in robotics will expand, giving rise to more sophisticated machines capable of performing tasks that are currently beyond our imagination.
The Raptor robot’s journey from a concept inspired by prehistoric predators to a record-breaking machine marks just the beginning of the potential of this exciting field. As scientists and engineers continue to innovate, the future of robotics seems exciting and limitless.
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