Cheetah robot breaks another record.

• Author: Beidel, Eric
• Position: Defense Technology News

* Scientists are developing a robot that can outrun the fastest man on Earth.

Developed by Boston Dynamics on behalf of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the robot, called Cheetah, has reached a peak speed of 28.3 mph for a 20-meter split. The International Association of Athletics Federations lists the world speed record for a human as 27.78 mph, accomplished by Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt in 2009 during a 100-meter sprint.

Of course, Cheetah had a leg (or two) up on the competition. It was running on a treadmill, most of its power being used to swing and lift its legs fast enough to keep up. It is powered by an off-board hydraulic pump and uses a device similar to a boom to keep it centered on the treadmill.

The robot is being developed by scientists who want to create a legged machine that doesn't sacrifice speed for mobility on rough terrain. Most robots used in emergency response, humanitarian assistance and other defense missions taking place in hard-to-get-around places have wheels or tracks to traverse bumps. But the most hazardous terrain demands the use of legs to step over high obstacles and deep ditches, officials said.

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