Robotic mule

A nimble, four-legged robot is so surefooted it can recover its balance even after being given a hefty kick. The machine, called BigDog, is developed by Boston Dynamics. It moves like a cross between a goat and a pantomime horse, and will be used as a robotic pack mule for the US military, according to a report in the New Scientist. BigDog’s developers describe it as “the most advanced quadruped robot” and have released a video showing it negotiating steep slopes and crossing rocky ground.

Braille keyboard

Spanish researchers have developed a new Braille computer keyboard with features that are useful for transcribing scientific texts and musical scores. The new keyboard combines the function and movement keys of a conventional keyboard with eight Braille keys allowing the user to write in any language, Science Daily reports. It also gives blind people the ability to work with mathematical formulae and musical score-writer programs. Until now, assistance was required from a sighted person to perform that kind of task. The keyboard also allows for product upgrades as new features are developed in the future.