This Japanese robot uses sticks instead of legs for walking

Don’t let its funny exterior fool you: this device is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence based on machine learning. 

Scientists from the University of Tokyo and a company called Preferred Networks have collaborated to create a robot using improvised materials. The machine is a logical follow-up to the team’s experiments from last year, which involved the creation of a variety of gadgets using unconventional materials (such as tree branches, for example). 

It might appear that these projects do not offer any tangible benefits, but they actually have some serious potential. In fact, the traditional approach to robotics dictates that the device needs to be developed before being taught any actions. 

In this case, everything is done the other way around: first, the neural network is created and trained, and then the robot itself is built. This allows experts to create relatively complex mechanism in remote areas of the planet, with minimal resources at their disposal. All that is needed for assembly is a computer and a small engine for movement.

You can check out the bizarre device for yourself in the video below.