RunBot is a miniature bipedal robot

Robot

A robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...

 with the ability to dynamically alter its gait in response to changes in terrain. The software for the system represents a unique and successful attempt at modeling the architecture of the human brain. A modular

Modularity (programming)

Modular programming is a software design technique that increases the extent to which software is composed of separate, interchangeable components called modules by breaking down program functions into modules, each of which accomplishes one function and contains everything necessary to accomplish...

 manifestation allows a change in a small number of parameters to effectively regulate the entire system. This abstraction level allows RunBot to learn new gaits quickly and intelligently.
RunBot was built in 2007 by a consortium of European scientists. Its movements and adaptability are based on the work of neurophysiologist

Neurophysiology

Neurophysiology is a part of physiology. Neurophysiology is the study of nervous system function...

 Nikolai Bernstein

Nikolai Bernstein

Nikolai Aleksandrovich Bernstein was a Soviet neurophysiologist.-Life:Bernstein was largely self-taught, yet his work was respected by his colleagues....

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Design

The locomotion system is kept simple with four motors: one on each of two knees, one on each of two hips. The sensory system is of similar simplicity, with the ability to detect a footfall and the swing of a leg.