New Round Feet Are Making Robots 40% Faster

​Researchers have created 40 percent faster, spherical feet for robots. Robots are known to be slow and tip over somewhat easily. With this new design for robotic feet, robots become much more stable on various terrain.  

The feet are made of a layer of latex with coffee grounds inside. They maneuver using granular jamming. This means the robot can take steps while also forming the feet to the surface. The round feet then solidify, the foot lifts, and it repeats this for each step. 

The feet can take robots up slopes and through rough terrain much faster than previous similar designs. 

Researchers have plans to add sensors to the feet so robots can decide which mode is better for the type of ground they are on. Robotic feet like these have the potential to enhance performance for anything from search-and-rescue missions to space exploration. 
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