Everyone knows that cats are fast and agile so it’s no surprise that MIT’s robotic researchers modeled their latest robotic invention after a cheetah. Initial models of robo-cheetah could only walk on a treadmill while tethered to keep it from falling. The latest version of robo-cheetah can run freely up to 10 mph and even jump in the air.

MIT’s cheetah uses custom-made electric motors that are powerful enough to propel the robot forward and upward while still maintaining a light weight. Sangbae Kim, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, compares the electric motors of the cheetah-bot to other heavier, louder quadruped robots that use gasoline motors. “Our robot can be silent and as efficient as animals. The only things you hear are the feet hitting the ground.”

To read more about MIT’s robo-cheetah, click here.

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