Scientists have designed an adorable dog-like robot , that’s been given the affectionate name of ‘Doggo’.
The four-legged robot can walk, hop and jump just like a real dog, but can also perform acrobatic tricks, including backflips.
Researchers from Stanford University designed the robot with reproducibility in mind, with nearly all the components bought online, and costing less than $3,000 (£2,363).
Natalie Ferrante, a student working on the project, said: “It's been about two years since we first had the idea to make a quadruped.
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“We've definitely made several prototypes before we actually started working on this iteration of the dog. It was very exciting the first time we got him to walk.”
The robot relies on various motors, which sense external forces and determine how much force and torque each leg should apply.
This system allows the robot to carry out a range of manuevers, including jumping 3.5 feet into the air, and even performing a backflip!
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Doggo’s designers have now made the plans, code and supply list available online, so anyone can make their own robot.
Patrick Slade, who also worked on the project, added: “We're hoping to provide a baseline system that anyone could build.
“Say, for example, you wanted to work on search and rescue; you could outfit it with sensors and write code on top of ours that would let it climb rock piles or excavate through caves.
“Or maybe it's picking up stuff with an arm or carrying a package."
