Researchers unveil robot that moves like a cheetah

Researchers have pulled inspiration from nature to create an energy efficient robot. Using the same movements as a cheetah, the team has mimicked the animal's ability to store energy in its muscles by fitting the robot's legs with springs - and it only uses 15 percent more energy than the real thing. Its creators have suggested that this project will lead to more elegant and energy conscious machines, and could be used in creating rehabilitation robots or advanced prosthetics. Using the same movements as a cheetah, the team has mimicked the animal's ability to store energy in its muscles by fitting the robot's legs with springs - and it only uses 15 percent more energy than the real thing The University of Twente first learned about the real animal by watching videos and using software to analyze their movements. Currently, it can only move 0.6 miles per hour (1 km/h).