The brains controlling the next generation of interactive, walking robots may well come from a laboratory in Zurich, where scientists are testing new algorithms on juggling machines. With no sensory help in the form of cameras or microphones, the robots are able to keep balls in the air with nothing but mathematics to guide them. To the casual observer, the Swinging Blind Juggler could be an elaborate piece of modern sculpture, or part of an intricate game. But it is neither. The juggler is part of an experiment to test mathematical algorithms that could one day allow the next generation of robots to walk.
If you're having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
Have any comments or questions about our video editions of IMPO? Or do you have a video you'd like to see featured in one of our deployments? Email me at [email protected].