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A robot mimicking a climbing lizard gives major insights into the evolution and advantages of different movements in humans and other animals, according to a new international, interdisciplinary study co-authored by Dr. Christofer Clemente from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Dr. Clemente, who specializes in the biomechanics of living and extinct animals, states: “These findings may also help us to build faster, more effective legged robots,” adding that it might one day be important for climbing over obstacles to find survivors during search and rescue missions.
According to Techxplore, the research team developed a lizard-inspired robot that can run and climb, and combined biology, robotics, and mathematics based on lizard locomotion to understand whether it was better to move with legs or the spine. “We found that if you want to move fast, you should mostly use your legs, and move your spine as little as possible. But using the spine a little bit helps to use less energy,” said Dr. Clemente, adding “We also identified that moving limbs or the spine too much tended to decrease stability during climbing, meaning robots were more likely to fall off the wall.”
The researchers reportedly found that the optimal locomotion required both spine and limb movement, resembling the movement patterns of lizards. Lead author Dr. Robert Rockenfeller explained: “The findings make it possible to detail the extent of evolutionary trade-offs between three key performance criteria—speed, efficiency, and stability—and determine the relative strength of these selection pressures on locomotion.”
The team’s robot was found to be capable of level running and climbing on both inclined and vertical surfaces, has modifiable leg lengths and the ability to adjust its spine and limb range of motion and stride speed. The data was then mapped with findings from a theoretical two-dimensional model of lizard movement.
The scientists are confident these findings will help design faster, stabler, and more efficient robotic strides.
