Quadruped robot climbs ladders, creeps us out
ANYmal, the quadrupedal robot developed by ETH Zurich and commercialized by ANYbotics, continues to impress with its latest feat of ladder climbing. This Swiss-engineered robot has once again pushed the boundaries of robotic capabilities, showcasing its versatility in tackling complex industrial challenges.
Since its inception in 2016 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, ANYbotics has been dedicated to evolving ANYmal through multiple generations, each more impressive than the last. Now, with its newfound ability to climb ladders, ANYmal is proving why it’s a leader in autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial environments.
By replacing its feet with hooked end effectors and utilizing advanced reinforcement learning techniques, ANYmal can now ascend ladders at various angles with a remarkable 90% success rate. This groundbreaking achievement truly sets ANYmal apart as a robot of many talents, capable of adapting to a wide range of tasks in challenging environments.
Weighing 66 pounds and standing at 2.3 feet tall, ANYmal is designed to excel in industrial inspections, search and rescue missions, and more. Its adaptability and impressive specs make it a valuable asset in various scenarios. With a normal walking speed of 2.46 feet per second and the ability to operate for 90-120 minutes on a single battery charge, ANYmal is equipped to handle demanding tasks with ease.
The robot’s sensory suite, which includes a 360-degree lidar, six depth cameras, and two optical cameras, provides it with excellent awareness of its surroundings. Powered by two Intel 6-core processors, ANYmal can efficiently navigate complex terrain and execute tasks autonomously.
From industrial inspections to search and rescue missions, ANYmal’s versatility shines through. Its rugged design allows it to operate in harsh environments such as oil and gas plants, while its ability to navigate complex terrain makes it invaluable in disaster response scenarios. Additionally, as a platform for testing new robotics technologies, ANYmal continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
As ANYmal continues to evolve, it is clear that it will play a crucial role in enhancing safety and efficiency in various industries. While some may have concerns about the integration of robots like ANYmal into the workforce, the benefits they provide in terms of productivity and safety cannot be denied.
With its latest achievement in ladder climbing, ANYmal is setting the bar high for autonomous robotic solutions. As we look to the future, we can only imagine the new heights this impressive robot will reach and the challenges it will conquer.
