Japanese Robotics Researchers Create the Epitome of Balance
Researchers at the Robot Development Engineering Laboratory of Tohoku Gakuin University have developed a really interesting robot that is truly the epitome of balance. The robot itself is a cylinder-like structure composed of wheels, wires, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. But the kicker, and where the robot consequently gets its name, is how the robot moves around. Standing about thigh-height, the BallP (short for Ball Inverted Pendulum) uses the its complicated innards to move around and balance itself on top of a bowling ball.
But it doesn't stop there. It keeps balance and can move even when you place weights on top of it, push it, guide it with your finger, and even work as a wheelbarrow-like thing by itself or with the help of a few other BallPs. Truly a wondrous invention, but its practical uses remain to be seen. Still, having one rolling around a party with hors d'oeuvres or champagne flutes would be awesome.
Check out the video to see just what this thing can do.
Source: Engadget
