Artificial technology is evolving before our eyes, because now robots can see the terrain and move like animals. This is being carried out by researchers from South Korea who took another important step in the evolution of robotics. A Kaist team developed a system called DreamWaQ++, capable of making quadruped robots see the terrain around them and adapt their movements in real time in a way very similar to animals.

The robot observes the environment, identifies obstacles and decides how to walk before even touching them, this changes everything, previous models depended almost exclusively on internal balance and position sensors, they worked well on simple surfaces, but only reacted after colliding or stepping on something unexpected, it was a reactive movement. Now, with DreamWaQ++, the robot acts in advance.

The system combines cameras, Lidar sensors and internal data from the body itself to interpret the scenario while walking. If it detects stairs, stones, ramps or holes, it immediately adjusts its steps. In the tests, the results were impressive. The robot climbed a 50-step staircase in just 35 seconds. It also overcame inclinations of up to 35º, surpassing the terrain used in initial training.

In uncertain areas he even stopped just to evaluate the path before continuing, that is, he not only moves, he analyzes; In other tests, it managed to overcome obstacles higher than its own body while carrying additional weight, maintaining stability and balance. This shows that the technology goes beyond laboratory demonstrations, it aims at real applications, rescue missions, dangerous industrial areas, agriculture, forests, technical inspections and places where humans are at risk or have difficulty accessing.

According to scientists, the technology could also be adapted in the future for humanoid robots.