0:00:02 > 0:00:04Have you ever wondered what it would be like
0:00:04 > 0:00:06if humans had the super skills of animals?
0:00:06 > 0:00:10But who would be crazy enough to try and fly like a falcon,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13grip like the gorilla and swim like a shark?
0:00:13 > 0:00:14This guy.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18I'm Andy Torbet and this is Beyond Bionic -
0:00:18 > 0:00:19the show where I try and match the skills
0:00:19 > 0:00:23of some of nature's most incredible animals.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Action is Andy's middle name.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27I mean, it's Thomas, but...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30And now, I'm using my super skills
0:00:30 > 0:00:35to take on nature's superheroes in the biggest challenge of my life.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36And don't worry,
0:00:36 > 0:00:40I'm hanging around to make sure he doesn't do anything too extreme.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41Whoa!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Today's Beyond Bionic challenge is all about the need for speed,
0:00:45 > 0:00:49as I try to match one of the fastest animals on earth.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52It's time for me to go Beyond Bionic.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53Go, Andy!
0:01:15 > 0:01:17In today's Beyond Bionic challenge,
0:01:17 > 0:01:21I'm going to need some serious speed, which means...
0:01:21 > 0:01:23..I need to go faster than her...
0:01:25 > 0:01:27..quicker than him...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32..and even faster than that is going.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Because today's challenge
0:01:35 > 0:01:39is all about racing the fastest animal on two legs.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41I got this! It's a kangaroo.
0:01:41 > 0:01:42BUZZER
0:01:42 > 0:01:45OK, what about this little guy, the basilisk lizard? He's speedy!
0:01:45 > 0:01:46BUZZER
0:01:46 > 0:01:48OK, technically, it's a bird.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Roadrunner! Beep, beep!
0:01:50 > 0:01:51BUZZER
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Let me introduce you to Oscar the ostrich.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54And his friend.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Ah! With peepers that big,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Oscar's definitely going to be keeping his eye on you.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Good job this isn't a staring competition.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Ostriches are the biggest birds in the world.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07They do have wings, but they're really small,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09so the ostrich can't fly, but that doesn't matter for them,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12cos they are built to run
0:02:12 > 0:02:13really, really fast.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16Er, Andy,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18have you seen the size of Oscar's legs?
0:02:18 > 0:02:20They are way longer than yours.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22There's no doubt about it.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24I'm going to have to go Beyond Bionic to stand any chance
0:02:24 > 0:02:27of beating this speedy sprinter.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28It's game on.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Ostriches belong to a group of flightless birds called ratites
0:02:36 > 0:02:37and they are born to run.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44Ostriches can reach incredible top speeds of up to 45mph.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Well, blow me down with a feather!
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Because ostriches can't fly,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52they've developed sprinting skills to help them outrun predators.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Phew! That was close, I was getting in quite a flap there.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Speed isn't their only defence.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01This bird has a karate kick so powerful
0:03:01 > 0:03:03it can take out a lion in one go.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05And a ten-centimetre claw on each foot
0:03:05 > 0:03:08makes the ostrich a fearsome opponent.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09Oscar, can I get you a sandwich?
0:03:09 > 0:03:11Maybe grubs? Mealworms?
0:03:11 > 0:03:14I will do anything, just keep those feet away from me.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17The ostrich may be the largest bird in the world,
0:03:17 > 0:03:18but when it comes to brainpower,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20that's a whole different ballgame.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Ostriches have brains smaller than their eyes.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25A real bird-brain. Who knew?
0:03:31 > 0:03:33The Beyond Bionic team have set me the challenge
0:03:33 > 0:03:37to race the fastest bird in the world on two legs.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Andy, you're really going to need to leg it on this one.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41Get it? "Leg it"?
0:03:41 > 0:03:43I am hilarious.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45And if that wasn't difficult enough,
0:03:45 > 0:03:50they want me to match the ostrich's top speed of 45mph.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53That's nearly 1.5 times faster
0:03:53 > 0:03:56than Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58You've got to go faster than a gold medal winner?
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Whoa. That's heavy, dude.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02So if I'm going to outrun an ostrich,
0:04:02 > 0:04:06I need to transform my body using science and technology
0:04:06 > 0:04:08and go Beyond Bionic.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16But first, I want to know how much extra power I'm going to need,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20so it's time to put my sprinting skills to the test.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23This is Loughborough University and I'm here to get some coaching
0:04:23 > 0:04:27from one of the UK's fastest female sprinters, Asha Philip.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Asha Philip is a world-class sprinter
0:04:32 > 0:04:35and competes in the 100 metres for Team GB.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38She can run it in 11 seconds.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Asha's also a leading member of the 4x100m relay team,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46who won silver at the World Athletics Championships in 2017.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Asha is Team GB all the way.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Check out those nails!
0:04:54 > 0:04:56With Asha's impressive track record,
0:04:56 > 0:05:01I'm hoping she can give me some top tips to increase my maximum speed.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04If I'm going to race an ostrich, I need to get off on the right foot.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06So do you have a favourite leg?
0:05:06 > 0:05:07Erm...
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- OK, if I push you...- Yeah?
0:05:09 > 0:05:11OK, that shows you're right-legged.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- What leg do you start with? - I'm right-legged as well.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- Oh, that's cool, then. - So you're perfect.- OK.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- So put your right leg first.- OK.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- You're going to bend down.- Yep.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Then you go set...
0:05:20 > 0:05:22..and then go.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- RECORD SCRATCH - I've never actually run on a track
0:05:24 > 0:05:27before, so this is probably going to be very embarrassing.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30More embarrassing than this?
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- What happened?- Was I meant to go?
0:05:32 > 0:05:33Yeah, we said go!
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- That's not a great start.- No! - Shall we try that again?
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- All right, then.- OK.- Set...
0:05:39 > 0:05:40Go.
0:05:43 > 0:05:4514mph.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47OK, we've got some work to do.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49We'll try again.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51It's not very fast.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54It's certainly not as fast as an ostrich.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Sprinters like Asha can average 20mph over 100 metres,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00so I'm way off her speed.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04And right now, the ostrich is in a different league altogether,
0:06:04 > 0:06:06so I'm going to need some help.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08- That's very... Just, like, robotic.- OK.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- We're going to try and open you up a little bit.- OK.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13I want you to, like, relax the arms
0:06:13 > 0:06:15and open up your legs while you're running.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18OK, that makes sense, cos an ostrich has a massive stride length
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and that's one of the things that helps it to run faster, so...
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Right. Round two.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25On your marks.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26Set.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27Go.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Go.- And go.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Go.- Go.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Go again.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Keep going.- That one was better.
0:06:35 > 0:06:36Oh, yeah! You're doing great.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38You know what? You're getting there, you really are.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41But we're going to get that stride length just a little bit bigger.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44That's all you want. And you want your thighs to pump forwards.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47OK, is there anything we can do to kind of help my start?
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Yes!
0:06:48 > 0:06:49Blocks.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51I've never done this before.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Running blocks are used by every World and Olympic sprinter
0:06:54 > 0:06:57to try and get one step ahead of the competition.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01And now you're using them to get one step ahead of an ostrich.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Just another normal Beyond Bionic day. Ha!
0:07:04 > 0:07:06If I get through this without...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09..going headfirst into the deck, it will be a miracle.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Right. Oh...
0:07:11 > 0:07:12Right.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- Try and keep your arms as straight as possible.- OK.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Set.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Go.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Asha's not giving me any excuse to give up.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24This is what comes with training with a top athlete.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Yeah. Just get your arms to do the same.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Do you get a lot of people coming in, Asha,
0:07:29 > 0:07:30asking how to race wildlife?
0:07:30 > 0:07:31Punch your arms.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Stride bigger.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35Go.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39You've definitely used the blocks, I must say.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41He's got it now.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Set.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44Go.
0:07:49 > 0:07:5118mph.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- Oh!- Now you can beat a third of an ostrich.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54Go, Andy!
0:07:55 > 0:07:56That was so much better.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58That was, honestly.
0:07:58 > 0:07:59Well, that felt good
0:07:59 > 0:08:01and I've had a lot of great training off Asha.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It's all about that explosive start, staying low, then moving high,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08keeping your stride as long as possible and pumping with your arms.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11But the ostrich can do over 40mph
0:08:11 > 0:08:12and I'm not even making half that,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15so there's still a lot of work to do.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Asha, thank you very much for your help today.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Oh, you're welcome. Honestly, you did such a good job.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Asha's top tips and the running blocks
0:08:22 > 0:08:25have definitely helped me increase my natural running speed.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27But if I'm going to get close to the awesome sprinting skills
0:08:27 > 0:08:30of an ostrich, I need to find a way to boost my power
0:08:30 > 0:08:32and go Beyond Bionic.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37There's no getting away from it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40These birds are super quick.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43But how do they compare to the other superstars of the animal kingdom?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46I can feel some fast facts racing my way.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Run me through them, Andy.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50When it comes to sprinting on two legs,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52the ostrich and the wallaby are seriously quick.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54He certainly looks excited,
0:08:54 > 0:08:56look at him bouncing around with joy!
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Australia's winning wallaby has a top speed of 30mph.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02It can even keep up with the traffic in town.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05But the ostrich is 15 miles an hour quicker
0:09:05 > 0:09:08and overtakes this Aussie superstar with ease,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11clocking up a top speed of 45mph.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12Beep, beep!
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Travelling as fast as that, you could end up with a speeding ticket.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20We all know the cheetah is one of the fastest animals on land,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22but over a long distance of 10,000 metres,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25the ostrich would knock the cheetah's spots off.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Ostriches store energy in their leg muscles,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31meaning they can keep running for longer.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32Eat dust, cheetah!
0:09:32 > 0:09:36But who is going to poach the title for largest egg?
0:09:36 > 0:09:37Say hello to the kiwi.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41These nocturnal birds lay eggs that can weigh 300g
0:09:41 > 0:09:45and measure up to a staggering 14 centimetres.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48But running away with the title is the ostrich egg,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51which measures a mighty 18 centimetres
0:09:51 > 0:09:54and weighs a ridiculous 1.2kg.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57No way! I am shell-shocked.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Animals really are nature's superheroes and I'm totally in awe.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08But I'm also seriously competitive.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10I hate being beaten and I like to win.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14So if I'm going to stand a chance against the strongest,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17fastest and best-designed animals in the world,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19I need their super skills.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21And how do I do that?
0:10:21 > 0:10:22I'm going around the world
0:10:22 > 0:10:25to find the latest in cutting-edge technology
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and the experts who could help me transform my body
0:10:27 > 0:10:29and go Beyond Bionic.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37So what have I got to do to sprint like an ostrich and win the race?
0:10:37 > 0:10:40First, I'll need to work out how to match its stride length.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41Mm-hm!
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Standing at nearly three metres tall,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46ostriches come equipped with two seriously long legs,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49which are capable of covering a massive five metres
0:10:49 > 0:10:50in a single stride.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52So all we've got to do is stretch you?
0:10:52 > 0:10:53No problem. Where's the rack?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Even the best human sprinters can only manage two metres.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03OK, Andy. You've really got your work cut out this time.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04But that's not all.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08I'll have to improve the pushing power of my feet.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09Jump to it, Andy!
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Supercharged muscles on the ostrich's feet
0:11:11 > 0:11:13mean that, when they make contact with the ground,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16they can push their bodies upwards and forwards
0:11:16 > 0:11:18with twice the force of a human sprinter.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23Who knew that muscle feet were the in thing?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26All of that adds up to make my feathered friend
0:11:26 > 0:11:27a fearsome opponent.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30FYI - don't mess with feathers here.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32So how are you going to match him?
0:11:35 > 0:11:37First stop is the East Coast of America
0:11:37 > 0:11:40and I'm heading to the town of Framingham, Massachusetts.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's time for me to hit the racetrack and test out some tech
0:11:47 > 0:11:50to try and get me one step ahead of the ostrich,
0:11:50 > 0:11:52and I need some serious thrust.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54You mean like rocket power?
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Oh, this could be interesting.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I'm meeting roboticist Jason Kerestes.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02He's come up with a real piece of superhero kit.
0:12:03 > 0:12:04What a total dude.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07So what have we got here?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09So this is the 4MM jetpack, OK?
0:12:09 > 0:12:12And basically, it's going to make you run really fast.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14That is exactly what I need to do.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Also, it's a little bit different than most jetpacks.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18This is an electric version,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20which means there's no flame coming out the back
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- and it can turn on instantly. You want to check it out?- Yeah, cool.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25So this will give you about 20lbs of thrust.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28So I'm going to push this button here and it's going to just turn on.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30WHOOSH!
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Yeah!
0:12:32 > 0:12:33- There's a lot of power there. - Oh, yeah.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36So the important thing is now, can I have a go?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Not yet. I want to see how fast you are without it first.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Ah, I thought you might say that.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- OK, on your mark.- OK.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Get set.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46Go!
0:12:46 > 0:12:49To find out if the jetpack really can increase my speed,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Jason needs to know how fast I can run without it,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54so I'm up for the 100 metres.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07Well, let's hope with a jetpack it's not only faster,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09but it makes it a bit easier.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14OK, how was that?
0:13:14 > 0:13:18Well, you took 14.32 seconds to run 100 metres
0:13:18 > 0:13:21and I clocked you in at 19.2mph.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23It looks like Asha's coaching has paid off.
0:13:23 > 0:13:2719.2mph is the fastest I've run in this challenge.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Now can I use the jetpack?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- Now you can use the jetpack. Let's get you suited up.- Right!
0:13:32 > 0:13:35With 20 lbs of thrust propelling me along,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I need some protective gear in case I wipe out.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Safety first, Andy! Safety first.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Safety is cool.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44All right, now we've got you all suited up,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48why don't we give you a chance to just get familiar with the jetpack
0:13:48 > 0:13:50and have you run back and forth a few times?
0:13:50 > 0:13:51- Yeah, sounds good, OK.- All right.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- There you go.- Right.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54I'll be back in a minute.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57WHOOSH!
0:13:57 > 0:14:00It's time to put this awesome piece of kit to the test.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Oh, this is so totally Beyond Bionic!
0:14:08 > 0:14:09So how did it feel?
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Yeah, it feels like somebody's running behind you,
0:14:12 > 0:14:13just pushing you along.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15It's like a super wind assist.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- You think it's going to help you run faster?- Oh, yeah. Definitely.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- In fact, let's give it a go. - Let's check it out.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Now that I'm comfortable running with a jetpack,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26it's time to see if it can make a difference to my speed.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28This is it. The moment of truth.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Three, two, one!
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- Go!- Blast off!
0:14:49 > 0:14:50It's weird.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I think I was faster,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55but it kind of feels slower because it's much less effort.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Although I'm out of breath,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I'm nowhere near as bad as I was when I was running on my own.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04So it's certainly less effort.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08What I want to know is, though, is it faster?
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Don't keep me in suspense,
0:15:10 > 0:15:11let's have the results!
0:15:11 > 0:15:13So your total time for running 100 metres
0:15:13 > 0:15:16was 10.56 seconds.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19That's world-class sprint speed!
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Wow! That's nearly a whole four seconds faster
0:15:21 > 0:15:23than without the pack.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24But I hate to tell you,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26at top speed, Oscar the ostrich
0:15:26 > 0:15:30could have run 100 metres in about five seconds. Ouch.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33You know what? It's been so much fun playing with a jetpack,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35running around the track today.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37But my need for speed...
0:15:39 > 0:15:40..continues.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47The Beyond Bionic team have set me a head-to-head challenge
0:15:47 > 0:15:50to race the fastest bird in the world on two legs.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55Ostriches can reach top speeds of 45mph,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57thanks to their powerful legs and super stride length.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- Go.- My natural running speed is nowhere near that fast,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04topping out at 19.2mph.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08So I've got to find a way to transform my body
0:16:08 > 0:16:11and give myself the same sprinting speed as Big Bird here.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17I've found some incredible superhero tech that increases my speed
0:16:17 > 0:16:20but can't give me the sprint start I need to go all the way
0:16:20 > 0:16:23and time is running out to complete my challenge.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Can I beat the ostrich at its own super skill?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Or will I go home with egg on my face?
0:16:35 > 0:16:39My bid to run rings around the ostrich is keeping me in the USA,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42as I travel over 3,000 miles from the East Coast
0:16:42 > 0:16:45to the Golden State of California on the West Coast.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49I'm slowly edging closer to the sort of speed I need to reach
0:16:49 > 0:16:51if I'm going to be successful in this challenge.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55But to go even faster, I found a piece of technology
0:16:55 > 0:16:59that's actually designed to mimic the structure of an ostrich's leg.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02I've heard the inventor is around here somewhere.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Whoa!
0:17:04 > 0:17:05Meet Keahi,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07who's dreamt of running as fast as an ostrich
0:17:07 > 0:17:09since he was 12 years old.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12He's fascinated by how their legs and feet work,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14so much so, he's studied how they run
0:17:14 > 0:17:17and built his very own pair of bionic boots.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Keahi, these boots look absolutely amazing
0:17:21 > 0:17:26and I can see how they sort of mimic the lower leg of an ostrich.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Ostriches get their running power from the tendons in their legs,
0:17:29 > 0:17:31which can store twice the amount of elastic energy per step
0:17:31 > 0:17:33as a human being.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36This means they can really spring into action when they run
0:17:36 > 0:17:40and Keahi's boots work on exactly the same principle.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43So the idea behind these boots is they not only make you taller,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47they also store energy in these large rubber springs at the back.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49So with each stride, they store energy
0:17:49 > 0:17:50and then recoils you into the air,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52almost as if you were running on a trampoline.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54So how easy are they to use?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Well, they're pretty intuitive to use,
0:17:56 > 0:18:01so it's quicker to pick up than, say, riding a bike or ice-skating,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03because basically it's a natural extension of the human leg.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Do you think with these boots I can run faster than an ostrich?
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Well, there's only one way to find out.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Let's get you practising and try them on. Let's go.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17This is going to be like learning to walk all over again,
0:18:17 > 0:18:18ostrich-style.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22So I'm getting padded up before these amazing boots are strapped on
0:18:22 > 0:18:24and I take my first ostrich steps.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Oh, this is so egg-citing!
0:18:29 > 0:18:30I'll give you a bit of room.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Gasp! You're actually walking on them, Andy!
0:18:33 > 0:18:34First few seconds right here, he-he.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- There you go, you're doing well. - I can kind of stand up.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42It does feel quite strange.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44This is how it must feel to be tall.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Yes, exactly!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50You've obviously picked them up very quickly.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54It's the next stage of turning it into running at high speed,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56which is where expertise comes in,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58practice, and that's where it gets a little fun.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- Walking actually doesn't feel that difficult.- Yep.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03But as soon as you start running, it suddenly requires a lot more skill.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- You're a lot less stable. - Absolutely.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08You've got to concentrate on the feeling
0:19:08 > 0:19:10of when you need to push off,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12so you feel the energy go into the springs
0:19:12 > 0:19:15and then, with each stride, you need to know when to do it.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20And he's off!
0:19:20 > 0:19:23OK, so your jogging is a bit more funky chicken than Swan Lake,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25but all this effort is bound to pay off.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Go, Andy!
0:19:28 > 0:19:32Well, Keahi makes this look a lot easier than it really is.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35There's a lot more skill and balance involved than I first thought.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37But I'm getting there slowly. I've got walking,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I'm almost at the edge. I'm doing a little jog.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44But whether I'll manage a max-effort, full-on sprint
0:19:44 > 0:19:46in time to race the ostrich, remains to be seen.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50But practice makes perfect.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Yeah, you're really clocking up the miles.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56Forget sprint, this is more like a Beyond Bionic marathon,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58which has got me thinking...
0:20:00 > 0:20:03What if the ostrich took on the Olympic marathon?
0:20:03 > 0:20:07It could run 26.2 miles in 40 minutes.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09That's three times quicker than the Olympic record
0:20:09 > 0:20:12of two hours, six minutes and 32 seconds
0:20:12 > 0:20:14set in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17Slowcoach!
0:20:17 > 0:20:19What if you cooked an ostrich egg?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22How many omelettes would it make?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25One ostrich egg is the same as 24 chicken's eggs
0:20:25 > 0:20:27and you need three chicken's eggs to make an omelette.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Bring on the maths.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33So, one ostrich egg will make eight omelettes.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Let's get cooking!
0:20:35 > 0:20:37What if humans could stride like an ostrich?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Well, we'd certainly get everywhere quicker,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43because every step we take would be over three metres long.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45The same length as a small car.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48And if we sprinted, our stride would be even bigger,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50extending to the size of a limousine.
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Say cheese!
0:20:57 > 0:21:00The Beyond Bionic team have set me the challenge
0:21:00 > 0:21:03to race the fastest bird in the world on two legs.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08And today's the day I try to push my body beyond its physical limits
0:21:08 > 0:21:12to reach a top speed of 45mph just like an ostrich.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Without a doubt, this challenge has run me ragged.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I've worked hard to improve by running technique
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and picked up some great sprinting techniques from the very best.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28I want you to, like, relax the arms
0:21:28 > 0:21:30and open up your legs while you're running.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31Go.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35There's no way I can match my opponent for natural speed.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37But I have found some incredible tech tools
0:21:37 > 0:21:39that could help me run faster.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44And now it's time for me to put those to the ultimate test.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Welcome to the World Ostr-olympics 60 metres sprint!
0:21:57 > 0:22:02Going head-to-head, its human being Andy Torbet of the United Kingdom,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06up against largest bird in the world, the ostrich,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09originally from the plains of Africa.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12As they warm up, we can see that our competitors
0:22:12 > 0:22:15have pretty different ways of preparing for the big race.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Andy Torbet, intense, focused,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21wobbly.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24But Beyond Bionic about his pre-race preparation.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Oh, oop, oh.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- So much control on that bounce. - Yep, exactly. So you're getting it!
0:22:30 > 0:22:34And Oscar the ostrich, who is all about kicking back and relaxing.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37But don't be fooled by this chilled-out approach.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40There is some serious staring going on here,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42as our duo attempt to psych each other out.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44And I know who my money's on.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48This is our track for the big race.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55But not only am I relying on this top bit of tech,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58I've also got to bear in mind all those things that Asha taught me.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Come out strong and powerful at the start,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04rise up to a tall position, pump my arms
0:23:04 > 0:23:06and big strides of the legs.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09But enough talk, it's time for action.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Woohoo!
0:23:14 > 0:23:19It's race time, people, as Bionic Boots takes on Big Bird.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21OK, it's almost time for the big race.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Any last-minute top tips? - OK, there's a few things.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26So first of all, I want you to concentrate
0:23:26 > 0:23:28on each of your foot placements on this uneven terrain.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Secondly, just get your mind into the mind-set of the ostrich.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- Get bionic.- OK, sounds good. - You can do this, mate.- Yeah!
0:23:35 > 0:23:36Let's get it!
0:23:37 > 0:23:39This is no walk in the park.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42I'm sprinting against the world's fastest bird on two legs,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45over 60 metres of uneven gravel.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48But I'm determined I won't be beaten by my feathered friend.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51It's time to go Beyond Bionic.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Go!
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Whoa, look at that ostrich go!
0:23:59 > 0:24:03And that's why it's the fastest bird on two legs.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- Get it, Andy! - That sprint start was world-class.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07I had no chance.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13I'll let Oscar have that one.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15I was going easy on him.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Big mistake. It's definitely game on now.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Oh, Andy, you're so generous!
0:24:20 > 0:24:22It's not like you're competitive or anything!
0:24:22 > 0:24:25But you'd better hope Oscar goes easy on you this time,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27and maybe Keahi can give you the edge.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30We did some quick adjustments with the springs themselves
0:24:30 > 0:24:32to adjust for his weight,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34so hopefully, with that slight adjustment,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37he'll be able to give the ostrich a run for its money.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38Go!
0:24:44 > 0:24:48It's no good. Oscar's left me for dust yet again.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Well, that was a bit embarrassing.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01The boots are great, I can really feel that power it's given me.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03But I've just not had enough practice
0:25:03 > 0:25:04to really properly sprint in them.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07You know what?
0:25:07 > 0:25:11I've got an idea to make this a proper contest.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13You're going to make the ostrich run on one leg?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17You're going to hitch a ride? You've hired a jet engine?
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Nope. I'm going to make Keahi do it.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22This challenge is not over yet.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25I know the boots can do far better than I just did,
0:25:25 > 0:25:26so I've given them back to Keahi.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30He's the expert and he can show us what they can really do
0:25:30 > 0:25:31against our feathered friend.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34But I'm not sitting back, I'm joining in too as I am.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37So this race sums up everything we do on Beyond Bionic.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41It's a human being against a human being with technology
0:25:41 > 0:25:43against wildlife itself.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44OK, here we go.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46As the competitors line-up,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50we have Andy Torbet with a top speed of 19.2mph
0:25:50 > 0:25:53against Keahi and the bionic boots built to run like an ostrich
0:25:53 > 0:25:57up against Oscar the ostrich, a real ostrich.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00We're determined to try and beat this super sprinter
0:26:00 > 0:26:03and his top speed of 45mph.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05Let's hope he's having a really bad day.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08On your marks...
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Get set...
0:26:10 > 0:26:11Go!
0:26:14 > 0:26:15This is epic!
0:26:15 > 0:26:17They're off and they're neck and neck.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Oscar just takes the lead from Keahi.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23Even Andy's on his shoulder.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28But as Oscar gets into his stride...
0:26:30 > 0:26:31..and a dog gets involved...
0:26:32 > 0:26:35..it's all over for humans and technology.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40It was a great effort, guys, but as we look at the results,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43clearly beating the pants off you both is Oscar the ostrich,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45who takes the gold.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Then Keahi and the bionic boots in a well-deserved silver medal position.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52And the bronze goes to you, Andy.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54This time, nature definitely came out on top.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I've trained with one of the world's best sprinters.
0:27:01 > 0:27:02That was so much better.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04I've used some of the world's best tech.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07So your total time was 10.56 seconds.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09That's world-class sprint speeds!
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Even used bionic boots.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Yet I have come nowhere near the speed of the ostrich.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Oscar and your feathered friends, I salute you.