Bouncy 'Minitaur' Robot Conquers Stairs, Doors, and Fences
University of Pennsylvania startup company Ghost Robotics has launched its first direct-drive legged robot - Ghost Minitaur. The quadruped robot was built for highly-precise force feedback applications and movement across unknown, rough, and vertical terrains. Its high torque motors, motor controllers, and specialized leg design allow it to run and jump over difficult terrain while actively balancing, climb fences, and quickly recover from falls. The bot opens doors and bounces up stairs. High-speed and high-resolution encoders let it see and feel the ground through the motors and adapt quickly. Ghost Minitaur could be used as an autonomous sensor vehicle for public safety, military, exploration, and hazardous environment operation.