Videos of jumping, hopping, balancing robots have been seen before but nothing like Boston Robotics “Handle” robot
Standing 6.5 ft tall, Handle travels at speeds up to 9 mph and can jump 4 feet vertically.
The robot uses electric power to operate both electric and hydraulic actuators and can travel about 15 miles on a single battery charge.
Handle is significantly less complex than other robots that can traverse obstacles and rough terrain. This robot uses many of the same dynamics, balance and mobile manipulation principles found in the quadruped and biped robots Boston Robotics builds, but with only about 10 actuated joints.
Wheels are efficient on flat surfaces while legs can go almost anywhere: by combining wheels and legs Handle has the best of both worlds.
