An Algorithm Helps Robots Fall Safely

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an algorithm to help humanoid robots hit the ground without breaking themselves.
At a major robotics competition held in June, several multi-million-dollar robots struggled to perform even simple tasks like climbing a flight of stairs; some even toppled over with what seemed like impeccable comic timing. But a few of these amusing pratfalls resulted in devastating damage to the robots’ instruments, motors, and other components.