Dutch researcher Daan Hobbelen of TU Delft has developed Flame - a walking robot which, according to his claims, ‘exactly’ imitates the human gesture. There have been many attempts to create walking robots since the seventies but the Flame is perhaps the closest and best replication of humans in view of many robotics experts too. This advanced robot can provide an invaluable insight into various major and minor movements people perform when walking. This can in turn be used to better analyze walking deformities, rehabilitation and equipment designing. With the creation of Flame, Daan has proved that a stable robot need not be energy consuming always. This breakthrough can now allow motion scientists to actually ‘measure’ the stability humans attain when walking. Flame operates on seven motors, a balancing organ that holds its centre of gravity and several algorithms to make it stable. When walking, Flame consults its balancing organ about the length to set apart it’s foot to remain stable. Similarly, its ankle movements remains a favorite topic of research for motion experts.
