'Biologically accurate' robot legs walk like an Egyptian
US boffins have come up with a pair of robotic legs that they reckon are the first to walk in a biologically accurate (if somewhat jerky) manner. The researchers want to try to mimic the actual process of walking, particularly the bit where people don't actually have to think to do it, so they can figure out how babies learn …
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Robot trousers
So who instantly thought of the Wrong Trousers?
<--- Feathers McGraw
Re: Robot trousers
The Daily Mail did, last week, for a start:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2169633/Scientists-University-Arizona-develop-realistic-robot-legs.html
Is it walking or moving?
I'm confused. Surely balancing is an inherent part of walking? If you need half a supermarket trolley to hold you up, you are moving and not walking?
Re: Is it walking or moving?
"Surely balancing is an inherent part of walking?"
I've always seen walking as being not-quite-in-balance. It's pretty much falling forward, putting out a foot to check the fall, rinse and repeat. Sure, there needs to be a long-term dynamic balance, but proper balancing is really standing, not walking
Re: Is it walking or moving?
"If you need half a supermarket trolley to hold you up, you are moving and not walking?"
I believe the correct term, used mainly by the old is "Walking Aid"
This is all we need. Robots that can climb stairs.
When the rise of the machines finally does happen, we wont be able to run away up stairs from our new evil overlords.
Re: This is all we need. Robots that can climb stairs.
Fortunately, a pair of wire cutters will render them powerless.
Any better ideas .....
Then please send the development team ..... a knee mail (groan)
<hat / coat logo>
I feel a bit of Python humour is obligatory:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhlQfXUk7w
research funding?
through a grant from the Ministry of Silly Walks
Re: That's not walking
The ultimate BBQ double act "You do the mince, I'll walk properly"...
Walk this way...
Talk this way...
That song is going through my head after reading the article and watching the video!
Beer icon because that's how I walk when I have too much beer.
Walking is for the birds
If I had to have my legs amputated, I think I'd prefer to have tank tracks in the their place. Or possibly a monowheel.
Pity they weren't around when Kraftwerk were popular.
I can just see these replacing Legs & Co.
Can that canned statement.
Argh! What's with this "canned statement" that has suddenly become so popular at El Reg? Is it necessary for me to update my Boardroom Bingo list? Time to be proactive and use my bandwidth? Take it offline?
If I were those legs I would run away as soon as I could.
..figure out how babies learn to get around...
What? Do we need more scientists whose Holy Grail is the Bleeding Obvious?
Have they never seen father and son walk down the street side-by-side and be indistinguishable apart from the grey hair and midriff on one of them?
No?
OK - let me make this short and simple - We copy Mum and Dad.
Re: ..figure out how babies learn to get around...
Looking at the video, these scientists still have a long way, to go in mimicking this. The wooden stabilisation device looks a bit shoddy. May I suggest rebuilding it using bright red plastic or just a get baby walker off the shelf from Argos.
Not 'biologically correct' at all!
The hips move up and down too much - the repeated shock on the spine and brain would eventually disable you. Even when running, the body keeps the head the same height off the ground, so that the brain doesn't bounce around in the skull.
In walking, the forward (not under your hips) leg puts the heel down first - which does two things: provide shock/energy absorption via the Achilles tendon, and lengthen the leg so that it can reach the ground. The rear leg does something similiar; lengthening the leg by angling down the ball of the foot, and kicking off via the calf muscle.
"biologically accurate (if somewhat jerky)"
I've dated guys who were biologically accurate. If somewhat jerky.
Just saying.
Re: "biologically accurate (if somewhat jerky)"
I've been one of those guys on occasion.
Shudders to remember.
Show-offs
So what, they beat regular QWOP and decided to go for the next level?
Smug buggers.
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