Two-legged robots inspired by birds can fly, walk, skateboard, fly, and balance on a flexible slackline. It could be used to monitor infrastructure in difficult-to-reach areas.
The robot was named LEONARDO by the creators of Caltech and Northeastern University. It is human-like and has knee, hip, and ankle joints. However, it also has rotor blades that allow for an upward thrust.
LEONARDO stands at 75 cm tall and weighs in at 2.6 kg. He can walk up to 20cm per minute. It is the first robot capable of seamless integration of walking and running.
