Developed by researchers at ETH Zurich, ANYmal is a quadruped robot now manufactured by ETH Zurich spinoff robotics company ANYbotics. ANYmal is specifically designed for use in challenging environments. Presumably, environments where being able to parkour may be necessary to reach its objective. Note to self: Do not challenge ANYmal to a game of the floor is lava.
Driven by special compliant and precisely torque controllable actuators, the system is capable of dynamic running and high-​mobile climbing. Thanks to incorporated laser sensors and cameras, the robot can perceive its environment to continuously create maps and accurately localize. Based on this information, it can autonomously plan its navigation path and carefully select footholds while walking.
ANYmal is capable of about 2 hours of autonomous locomotion, using both machine learning and model-based control to maneuver, and can be outfitted with any number of optical and thermal cameras, microphones, gas-​detection and other sensors. Completely kitted out, ANYmal still weighs under 30kg (~66 pounds). For reference, I have one dog that weighs more than that (76 pounds) but two that weigh significantly less (16 and 12 pounds). Valuable information, I know. Feel free to talk about it around the dinner table tonight.
[via TechEBlog]
With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.