Robo-Ostrich

Researchers at DARPA have recently created a robot ostrich capable of running up to 30 mph with incredible balance.

Scientists also predict the robot, named the FastRunner, may be able to reach speeds of up to 50 mph in the near future. This robo-ostrich can run on uneven surfaces like stairs or through obsticles, according to the researchers.

The FastRunner has a structure of an ostrich and runs with a single motor in each of its robotic bird legs. It also has a locking knee and springs in the legs so it runs easily and with little help from batteries. Since it runs with such little equipment inside of it, it is very lightweight and easily portable and fit for running.

Here's a picture of the robotic creature: 

The researchers who created FastRunner also say that it can handle as much weight as the material of the leg can handle because of the leg not requiring much energy to run, thanks to the springs and design.

In the near future, we could be seeing this robot increase its speed by up to 20 mph. There is also more robotic animals in developement, too, so we might see them soon.

All-in-all, I think that this concept of robot animals is kind of weird, but could help us in the long run with moving heavier objects much faster or just giving us an easy, convenient way to get around.