Scientists are taking inspiration from animal tails to help stabilize robotics. Some are incorporating tail technology to help stabilize their robots, while others are looking to use robotic tails to stabilize people.
#Cheetah'sTail
Cheetahs are able to use their tails to help them change directions while moving fast without falling over. Scientists developing robotic vehicles are using this idea. The first developers to do this were located at UC Berkley and involved a robotic car fitted with a rod that had a weight on the end. These robots use the principle of inertia. Upon further research on cheetah's tails, scientists found that the end of the tail was not heavy but was rather fluffy instead. This means that to create more agile and stable robots can be created without adding more weight. Aerodynamics plays a big part in this instead of the initial inertia design.
#SeahorseTailForPeople
On the side of inertia design tails, a Japanese company is developing robotic tails called Arque to help balance people. Their inspiration was taken from studying the muscular tails of seahorses. Developed to give balance to people working in situations that balance is important like construction these tails may have alternate uses. These tails swing to counter-movements to keep the wearing upright, but applications in Virtual Reality might have the tails destabilize their users to create a realistic feeling. The downfall of these tails is the space needed to use them and their prominence when worn. The typical physical laborer may not be interested in wearing these tails. An additional use of these tails which might be the most beneficial, rehabilitation. During physical therapy, users can be protected from falls and assisted in their recovery. See more in-depth information for both robotic tails below.
