14 DAY TRIAL // Not a week goes by these days without some sort of update on the field of robotics, probably because of all the sci-fi movies that got released this past decade. DFKI is the source of the latest news.
DFKI is a German company that built the iStruct robotic ape. An ape that could walk around on all fours a few months ago.
Now, that same ape has learned how to stand on only two feet, and to actually walk like humans.
Well, not exactly like humans, mind you, but close enough, as close as any bipedal and primate-like can get anyway.
The iStruct uses multi-point-contact feet featuring almost fifty sensors (pressure, angle, distance, temperature) and multiple motors, enabling stance adjustment according to the surface iStruct is standing on. Among other things.
It's not perfect, but at least iStruct can keep its balance even when extending its upper arms.