10 Amazing Robots That Really Exist

Summary

This video showcases a collection of innovative robotic animals developed by Festo and other tech pioneers. From a swarm of robotic ants working in sync to bionic butterflies, seagulls, and dragonflies mimicking real flight, the advancements in robotics are impressive. We also explore robots like the Bionic Kangaroo, Boston Dynamics' agile robots, and underwater robots designed for maintenance and environmental monitoring. With creations like a robotic chef, spider, fish, and even a playful robotic puppy, the video highlights how these technologies are pushing the boundaries of animal mimicry and robotic functionality for both practical and entertainment purposes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Festo has developed a variety of bionic animals, including ants, butterflies, and dragonflies, that mimic real insects' movements and behaviors.
• 😀 The ants coordinate with each other using radio modules and sensors, and can operate for up to 40 minutes before recharging.
• 😀 Robotic butterflies, weighing just 32 grams, can flutter for four minutes after a 15-minute charge, with their flight monitored by infrared cameras.
• 😀 Flying robots like seagulls and dragonflies can hover and fly, mimicking their natural counterparts and showcasing advancements in drone technology.
• 😀 The bionic kangaroo utilizes energy recovery from jumps, making it capable of repeated leaps without getting tired, using pneumatic systems.
• 😀 Boston Dynamics has created robotic animals, including a cheetah that can run at 45 km/h and a dog-like robot that can perform various tasks like cleaning and fetching.
• 😀 A robotic shark is capable of moving like a real fish, and can be used for underwater surveillance or sabotage without being easily detected.
• 😀 A robot cook is capable of preparing food, copying human cooking techniques, and cleaning up afterward, offering convenience in the kitchen.
• 😀 The robot spider, printed using 3D technology, can perform coordinated movements and is controlled remotely, showing advanced versatility in robotic design.
• 😀 Underwater robots in the form of snakes or fish can conduct maintenance, detect water pollution, and monitor environmental conditions in aquatic environments.

Q & A

What unique feature do the robotic ants developed by Festo have?

The robotic ants by Festo are designed to mimic the behavior of real ants. Each ant is equipped with a radio module for precise coordination with other ants, and a 3D stereo camera in the head allows them to see. Infrared sensors monitor their movement, and they are recharged using their antenna in a docking station.

How do Festo's robotic butterflies work and what sets them apart from real butterflies?

Festo's robotic butterflies are equipped with servos, small batteries, and laser-made casings. They can fly with impressive grace, mimicking real butterflies. They are tracked by infrared cameras and a central computer that coordinates their movements in real time. Their flight looks nearly indistinguishable from that of real butterflies.

What makes the bionic kangaroo different from a real kangaroo in terms of its jumping abilities?

The bionic kangaroo uses a mechanism that recovers energy from each jump and stores it in springs. This energy is then used to make the next jump, allowing it to jump repeatedly without tiring, unlike real kangaroos, which get fatigued after multiple jumps.

How does Boston Dynamics' robot dog differ from its original military purpose?

Originally designed for military purposes, Boston Dynamics' robot dog (Spot) was too clumsy and primitive. Later improvements made it more agile, enabling it to perform tasks like bringing drinks, cleaning, and navigating stairs. It has become more versatile and is now used for both industrial and domestic purposes.

What tasks can the robot chef perform in a kitchen?

The robot chef can cook various dishes by mimicking human chefs' movements. It uses arms to operate kitchen appliances and prepares meals from recipes it can find online. The robot also cleans up afterward by putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

What are the practical uses of the underwater robot snake?

The underwater robot snake is designed to perform maintenance and repairs on underwater structures, such as oil platforms. It can access tight spaces where larger robots cannot reach, making it a valuable tool for marine engineers.

How do the robot fish help with environmental monitoring?

Robot fish are used to monitor water pollution levels. They can take water samples and analyze them, helping to identify sources of contamination. Their tests have been conducted in locations like the port of Gil John in Spain.

What is the role of infrared cameras in the Festo robotic butterflies?

Infrared cameras play a key role in tracking the movements of the robotic butterflies. They are used to detect infrared markers on the robots, allowing for real-time coordination and synchronization of their flight patterns.

What is unique about the robot puppy named Chip?

The robot puppy, Chip, is equipped with sensors like accelerometers and infrared sensors that allow it to interact with its environment and recognize gestures. It can perform commands such as dancing, sitting, and lying down, but it cannot recognize voice commands.

Why doesn't Festo intend to develop flying drones using its flying robots?

Festo's focus is not on competing with the drone market but rather on refining the technology behind flying robots like their seagull and dragonfly prototypes. These robots are designed to perfect aerial dynamics and have potential applications beyond commercial drone use.