We've written about robots modelled on cheetahs before, but a team at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed one with a unique edge.

This robotic cheetah can not only run - it can bound too, and does so untethered.

The researchers explain that "the key to the bounding algorithm is in programming each of the robot's legs to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, in order to maintain a given speed. In general, the faster the desired speed, the more force must be applied to propel the robot forward."

At the moment the robot can run at 10 miles (or 16km) per hour and leap over obstacles up to 33cm high. The designers hope that the robot will be able to reach speeds of up to 30mph (48kph) after further development.

See the robotic cheetah in action below: