A study of running birds is giving researchers deeper insights on how to develop efficient two-legged running robots.

Researchers from the Oregon State University, the Royal Veterinary College and other institutions have found out how running birds achieve their ability to sprint; avoid falls or injury; maintain direction and speed and minimize energy cost.

Like Us on Facebook

"Birds appear to be the best of bipedal terrestrial runners, with a speed and agility that may trace back 230 million years to their dinosaur ancestors," said Jonathan Hurst, an associate professor and robotics expert in the OSU College of Engineering.

From huge ostriches to tiny quails, running birds come in a wide range of sizes. While only a few can fly, running birds spend most of their lives on the ground, and not always appearing the most graceful of running animals.

Researchers, however, have found out running birds have adapted to maximize the results, all the while saving energy and avoiding broken legs. An injury in the wild could lead to death.

"These animals don't care that they appear a little unstable or have a waver in their gait," Hurst said.

"Their real goal is to limit peak forces, avoid falling, be safe and be as efficient as possible. If their upper body seems to lurch around a little as a result, that's okay. What they are accomplishing is really quite elegant."

Researchers found it surprising that the wide variety of ground-running avian species with different body sizes and shapes essentially use the same tactic to accomplish their goals.

To jump over obstructions in their path, they use a movement that is 70 percent a "vaulting" movement as they approach the barrier, and 30 percent in a more-crouched posture while above the hurdle.

"Evolution has shaped running birds into all different sizes and skeletal structures," said Christian Hubicki, a doctoral student at OSU who co-authored the study. "But we found their behavior in how they run is essentially the same."

TagsBipedal robot, Robotics, Ostrich, Quail, Birds, Running birds