If you’re going to make a walking robot to break records and draw crowds, you might as well make it a dragon. The “Tradinno” project by Zollner was recently named in the Guinness World Records 2014 as the largest walking robot. At 11 tons, 51 feet long and with a 40-foot wingspan, the decade-old project… Continue reading Fire-breathing dragon named world’s largest walking robot (videos)
Tag: Robotics
Artificial intelligence – working hard, so we can hardly work
In 2011, robot sales hit about 160,000 units, translating to $8.5 billion in sales—this was by far the highest level recorded for any single year. Employment isn’t for humans only—there are currently 1.1 million working robots in the world. Today, robots sort through construction waste for reusable materials, and the even play a major role… Continue reading Artificial intelligence – working hard, so we can hardly work
If the Petman robot doesn’t scare you, you’re not paying attention
Boston Dynamics has made us cringe more than once in the past with their BigDog and LS3 robotic abominations in the past. This time, they’ve gone too far and we’re all officially creeped out. If you’ve seen any of the Terminator movies, you should be afraid. This is it without Arnold’s skin covering it. The… Continue reading If the Petman robot doesn’t scare you, you’re not paying attention
Festo BionicOpter may bring dragonfly drones to a sky near you
The flight of the dragonfly is unique in the animal kingdom. It’s complex four-wing mechanics give it significant advantages over traditional two-wing flyers. By moving two sets of wings independently of each other, the dragonfly is able to enjoy much more maneuverability and speed control. It’s no wonder so many robotics designers have tried to… Continue reading Festo BionicOpter may bring dragonfly drones to a sky near you
BigDog tosses cinder blocks across the room like a robotic boss
If there’s one thing that can be said about Boston Dynamics, it’s that they never cease to amaze us with the capabilities of their robotic creations. “BigDog” has been the topic of past posts here and this one may be the most awesome capability yet. Maintaining balance is one of the biggest challenges facing legged-robot… Continue reading BigDog tosses cinder blocks across the room like a robotic boss
DARPA’s LS3 robot advances maneuverability, still extremely creepy
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) have been working on the Legged Squad Support System (LS3) for years. This creepy, “thinking” robot is designed to help troops carry equipment on terrain that is normally not suitable for vehicles. The latest advancements are demonstrated below, showing improved maneuverability,… Continue reading DARPA’s LS3 robot advances maneuverability, still extremely creepy
Living in the midst of robotic takeover
I was at the library the other day checking out some books (yes, real physical books that are printed on paper with ink) and it was like a massive wave of confusion washed over me when I realized: Where are all of the librarians? I soaked in the view of where the counters and employees… Continue reading Living in the midst of robotic takeover
Can robotic supports replace wheelchairs for many?
The Tek Robotic Mobilization Device developed by Istanbul, Turkey-based AMS Mekatronic, bridges the gap between bulky wheelchairs with the inherent problems that come with them and mechanical engineering that will give many paraplegics more and easier access to their world. The idea is brilliant in its simplicity to the point that one wonders why something… Continue reading Can robotic supports replace wheelchairs for many?
The DARPA “Cheetah” is fast and freaky
There have been many innovations in recent months that have blown us away from the world of robotics. If there’s one common theme between the Smart Bird and other robots that have gone from our dreams (or nightmares) to reality in recent months is the constant embracing of natural movement and style when creating movement.… Continue reading The DARPA “Cheetah” is fast and freaky
Is this creepy android mannequin the future of retail merchandising?
If this is the future of retail, I’ll be shopping online more often. Takashimaya, a department store in Tokyo, is working with Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguro from Osaka University to demonstrate their concept of the next generation of retail merchandising. The timing couldn’t be better – the female mannequin is pushing their Valentine’s Day promotion as… Continue reading Is this creepy android mannequin the future of retail merchandising?