Electro‑hydraulic muscles enable robot legs to stay straight on uneven terrain
Getting Robots to Stand Tall on Rough Ground
Back in 2022, the robotics squad at ETH Zürich turned a four‑legged robot named ANYmal into a mountain‑climbing champ. Fast forward to their latest breakthrough – a wild, hybrid electro‑hydraulic “muscle” system that lets robots rock up rocky terrain with zero extra gizmos.
What the Magic Muscles Are Actually Doing
Picture a plastic sleeve you’d use to store ice cubes – but filled with oil. Wrap those sleeves in electrodes, hit them with a little voltage, and boom, they expand or contract. It’s static electricity on a bigger scale, like when your hair sticks to a balloon after you rub it. The result? Legs that can sprint faster and jump higher than a standard electric‑motor robot, all while sidestepping pesky heat‑producing engines.
Why This is a Game‑Changer
- Surface‑Smart: The legs auto‑adapt to bumps and dips.
- Speed & Power: Moves quicker and jumps higher without a bunch of satellites.
- Low‑Heat: No frenzied heating like traditional electric actuators.
Keep Calm, the Findings are Still in Garage Mode
Professor Christoph Keplinger at Max Planck says the current setup is still a bit clunky. The leg sticks to a rod, dances in circles, and is not yet free‑wheeling. But there’s optimism: merge it with a full‑bodied quadruped or a two‑legged humanoid, power it from a battery, and you could have a future rescue robot that can navigate disaster sites effortlessly.
What Happened at the TechCrunch Event?
During the gathering, the team highlighted how these simple “oil‑filled plastic bags” outshine their electric cousins on rugged terrain while keeping the whole system cooler and more adaptable. It’s a high‑energy idea that could change how robots move through the world—tell me who’s ready to keep walking on stone and mud with a little spark of humor?
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
San Francisco Gets Lit: October 27‑29, 2025
Hey SFers and wanderlusters! The calendar’s officially marked, the locals are buzzing, and the city’s streets are ready to pop off like a fireworks show. From the iconic Golden Gate to the vibrant Mission District, this weekend is set to turn every corner into a neon‑lit celebration.
What’s the Buzz?
- Live Music Extravaganza – 20+ artists spanning everything from indie folk to techno beats.
- Food Truck Frenzy – Taste‑bud‑twirl the best of KF‑style tacos, vegan ramen, and artisanal ice cream.
- Interactive Art Installations – Snap pics, swipe, and maybe even get a virtual reality dip.
- Tech Demo Zone – Catch the next wave of AR gadgets with a hands‑on experience.
Why You Can’t Miss It
It’s not just a weekend—it’s a vibe. Think sunrise hikes with a crowd of surf‑inspired fans, midnight rooftop cocktails, and a block party that’s rumored to last till the sun comes back up. If you’re craving a mix of culture, tech, and pure, unfiltered joy, this is your ticket.
How to Get Involved
Register now! Claims are filling fast. Grab your spot, bring your crew, and let’s make this the most unforgettable chapter in San Francisco’s history.
