World's speediest robot runs faster with trainers

The STAR1 robot can reach a top speed of 8mph with the added help of a pair of trainers

A running robot has been able to reach some impressive speeds - but can run even faster when it wears a pair of trainers!

The robot - called STAR1 - is built to look like humans and can reach speeds of up to 8mph.

Scientists experimenting with the robot tested it running across a variety of terrains.

STAR1 has been made using AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithms and special motors.

How was the STAR1 robot made?

This is Ameca, one of the world’s most advanced robots - it was made in a similar way to STAR1

STAR1 is a robot designed in a similar way to a human body.

It has two legs, two arms, and other limbs just like us.

Scientists in China programmed STAR1 to move around like a human, using artificial intelligence.

You’ve probably heard of AI before - you can learn more about it here - it’s a term for technology or machines that are made to work like a human brain, making human decisions.

Artificial intelligence is used everywhere, in predictive text or to create social media algorithms.

The team behind STAR1 also used expert knowledge of motors to make the robot’s ‘joints’ work. Imagine recreating all our joints and limbs - it’s pretty complicated work!

How does a robot run in trainers?

STAR1 went up against humans in some running tests - reckon you could beat a robot?

Do you ever feel like you run better when you’ve got the right trainers on?

Well this is probably how STAR1 felt, when scientists tested its running skills.

They tested STAR1 against a similar robot, but only gave STAR1 the trainers.

The testing went ahead at the Gobi desert, which is in China.

The robot managed to run up to 8mph for up to 35 minutes.

This makes it the speediest machine of its kind built so far, but these speeds were only achieved with the help of the added footwear.