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Four-legged robotic dogs have gained popularity among scientists and rapid response teams in recent years, primarily due to their unique ability to maneuver in dangerous or inaccessible areas for humans. Some of these robots Robots like Spot from Boston Dynamics can use large claws and other devices that help them interact with the surrounding world. However, these additional limbs are not always ideal, as they add weight and take up extra space. Both of these factors can limit the effectiveness of the robotic dog in tight spaces.
Researchers from the Robotics Systems Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich attempted to solve this problem by training a dog-like robot. work to use one of the four limbs to open doors and move objects. Meanwhile, the three limbs that were not involved in these actions were used for walking and maintaining balance.
In the article based on the research findings, engineers stated that their innovations in the use of limbs by the ANYmal robot could help, in particular, in space exploration.
So I k robot dog used your legs in ?
Researchers used a reinforcement learning model to train the robot dog ANYmal (created by the company ANYbotic) to perform a series of tasks involving interaction with various objects. With the help of a developed neural network controller, the robot dog was able to move its front right limb to the desired location. After that, the robot learned to use the three remaining legs for balancing and navigating through challenging terrain.
As reported by the publication Popular Science The team controlled the robot dog using a joystick on the remote control.
Photos and videos showed how during the experiment, the robot lifted its front limb and placed it next to the door handle, then shifted its weight to open the door. These movements reminded researchers of a real dog lifting its leg to relieve itself by a fire hydrant. Scientists also recorded how the robotic dog wrapped a backpack strap around its limb and then transferred it into a plastic container. Engineers also experimented with a small claw-like manipulator attached to the limb, which helped the ANYmal robot successfully grasp and lift stones from the floor.
Researchers also trained the robot dog to navigate complex surfaces. The team emphasized the importance of maintaining balance, even when faced with far from ideal real-world scenarios. For instance, engineers placed the robot on a smooth, slippery board and made it balance on it. It slipped slightly but did not fall.
What maybe to be useful this robot dog ?
Researchers agreed from the beginning that during the training of new skills, they would avoid adding unnecessary mechanical complexities. In the future, this approach will manifest in positive outcomes, particularly in the potential reduction of the robot’s weight and lower energy consumption. This could be especially beneficial for space exploration or remote search and rescue missions.
Until recently, four-legged robotic dogs were limited to functions of inspection and observation. However, research results from Zurich have paved the way for a future in which these robots will use artificial intelligence models to explore the surrounding world. They will also be able to interact with objects and perform complex tasks using their limbs.
