Leaping Lizard Bot
This Leaping Lizard Bot was thought of and created by biologists and engineers at Berkley. They saw the problem of objects that fall off a cliff have no chance of survival. Their inspiration was the lizard's technique. As they jump, they use their tails to adjust the angle of their bodies in midair, ensuring a controlled landing. These scientists replicated this action with a robot. This robot, known as Tailbot, is a four-wheeled bot with a active tail that keeps the device from tumbling as it falls. When the tail is in use, the robot is able to keep a constance angle as it falls, therfore being able to land safely.
This robot was invented to try to insure a safe landing when falling from a high area. As this seems that it would be helpful, it still may not be too successful. As shown in the video, these attempts at making a safe landing are not successful for the majority of the time, as it is for the real lizard. I feel that although this is a great thought, it is not practical. Even if they got this new robot to work all of the time, I don't see how it would become helpful if in a situation in which a person is falling. I don't have an understanding on what device would be of help. My thoughts are that you either have to keep a device that helps you in these situations- which I doubt would happen, or this is supposed to be a model to show people how to fall. In either case, I don't see people following these instructions.
This robot was invented to try to insure a safe landing when falling from a high area. As this seems that it would be helpful, it still may not be too successful. As shown in the video, these attempts at making a safe landing are not successful for the majority of the time, as it is for the real lizard. I feel that although this is a great thought, it is not practical. Even if they got this new robot to work all of the time, I don't see how it would become helpful if in a situation in which a person is falling. I don't have an understanding on what device would be of help. My thoughts are that you either have to keep a device that helps you in these situations- which I doubt would happen, or this is supposed to be a model to show people how to fall. In either case, I don't see people following these instructions.
Robot Version
As stated in the article, the creaters thought of using this new technology to help in rescue missions. To save a human, I don't see that this would be helpful, as I explained above with my ideas. Although it seems like they might be thinking about using it to bring supplies over to people in a diffiult situation, which could be a possibility. The action of bringing supplies rather than saving people seems more realistic. Although bringing over supplies in a robot that's only purpose is to not fall over when completing this action does not seem like a tremendous help if these people are in great need. It seems to me at this point, that this robot needs more explaining and realistic actions to become of purpose to people in need.