Elephants as models for robots

Robots are no longer rigid machines. Research is increasingly producing so-called «soft robots» made of flexible materials. They are safe to use with people, are ideal for handling sensitive goods and can also move in environments that are inaccessible to conventional robots.

A special role model: the elephant

A research project at the University of Freiburg is developing a soft, walking robot based on large mammals. Elephants are particularly well suited for this purpose, as they are masters at carrying large weights.

A major challenge is the efficient change of direction when walking. In order to understand this, the research team collects movement data from elephants and transfers it to the robot design.

Movement studies at Zoo Zurich

The researchers at Zoo Zurich want to record the natural movement patterns of elephants using a special video setup. The main focus is on the question: How does an elephant change direction while walking? Thanks to modern camera technology, these movements can be recorded from several angles and later analyzed in detail.

The results of this study flow directly into the further development of soft robots. In this way, the research not only helps to develop innovative technical solutions, but also promotes our understanding of the fascinating movements and abilities of elephants.