# Mechanically Stable Ostrich Robots The Planar Elliptical Runner Balances Without Any AI By Joey Haar | Published 2017-05-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planar-elliptical-runner References: [technologyreview](https://www.technologyreview.com/s/604308/an-ostrich-like-robot-pushes-the-limits-of-legged-locomotion/) & [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/03/this-ostrich-robot-doesnt-need-to-think-to-run/) The [Planar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edifier-stax-spirit-s5) Elliptical Runner is yet another robot that demonstrates just how impressive the workings of nature really are. The ostrich-like robot was developed by researchers at the [Institute for Human and Machine Cognition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot), but it doesn't use any of the institute's title attributes at all. The bot is able to balance itself and run with the use of just a motor -- it has neither an internal processor for AI nor any camera vision to speak of. The Planar Elliptical Runner is able to achieve this [self-balancing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motoroid-bike) thanks to mechanics inspired by the ostrich. According to Technology Review, "the elliptical motion of the legs together with its body shape provide inherent stability." It runs on a single motor in the center of the bot's chassis, which can power it to speeds of 10 miles per hour. However, a scaled up version would be able to reach upwards of 30 miles per hour. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nature-inspired Robotics:** There is an opportunity to develop robots that mimic the movements of animals and insects for increased stability and decreased reliance on AI. - **Simplified Robotics:** Creating robots that rely on mechanical engineering rather than complex AI or processing systems could lead to more accessible and cost-effective robotics solutions. - **Single Motor Robotics:** Researching and developing robots that can achieve complex tasks with only a single motor could have various practical applications in a variety of industries. ### Where This Applies - **Manufacturing:** Developing simple, nature-inspired robotics could optimize efficiency, accuracy, and safety in manufacturing processes. - **Transportation:** Creating a single motor-based robot that could achieve high speeds could revolutionize the transportation industry and lead to more sustainable and efficient transportation options. - **Agriculture:** Mechanical stable robots can be used extensively in agriculture to assist in large scale crop plantation and pest control. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Independently-Running Robotic Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-dogs.md) - [Hybrid Movement Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leo-robot.md) - [Ultra-Flexible Bipedal Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unitree-h1.md) - [AI-Powered Balance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-project-moab.md) - [Diminutive Bipedal Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bipedal-robots.md) - [Hopping All-Terrain Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascento-pro.md) - [Rugged Quadruped Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugged-quadruped-robots.md) - [AI-Enabled Walking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optimus-robot.md) - [Motor-Driven Jumping Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elastic-band-robot.md)