Boston Dynamics has been fueling our imaginations (and, in some cases, nightmares) for years now with its multitude of robots capable of running, covering difficult terrain, and staying upright despite every attempt to knock them over. While it's shown ones that can climb hills or even jump over walls, one obstacle has remained insurmountable by its creations: stairs. That's all changed, though, with its latest bot.
Designed to compete in the DARPA Robotics Challenge, the robot in this video currently consists of two legs, one or two arms, and a head (well, a flashing light in place of one, at least). It's able to balance and walk on its own and, when confronted with stairs, walks right up them without missing a beat. Much like a human, it actually uses one arm to correct its balance while ascending, sticking it out to touch the wall if it starts to tip.
The video also shows the robot turning side to side and even doing push-ups. This degree of versatility will be required during DARPA's competition, which will subject the robots taking part in it to a variety of challenges designed to test their ability to work alongside humans, use human tools, and carry out orders with precision.
[via Geekologie]
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