Robotics has advanced to such a stage where the Japanese have invented the first bipedal robot in the world that can jump like a frog. Dubbed Mowgli, this creation from the University of Tokyo can jump approximately 50cm into the air with a perfect landing. This was made possible by the inclusion of artificial muscles in the legs that are driven by compressed air unlike traditional robots. Mowgli measures 1.2m tall and does not only wow curious onlookers with its ability to jump, but it can also kick a football to boot. Japan is still trying to develop flexible robots that are capable of acting as caregivers to humans as their population ages, and the Mowgli is but a small step towards that dream.
Filed in ..