Boston dynamics, when will the robots have a flexible backbone ?

[William Gaatjes]

Incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wE3fmFTtP9g

The only thing missing is a flexible backbone where energy can be stored while bending and flexed to release the energy to increase the speed of running.

 

[William Gaatjes]

I want one ... :'(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-vVblGlIMgw#t=114

 

[Markbnj]

The only thing missing is a flexible backbone where energy can be stored while bending and flexed to release the energy to increase the speed of running.

Well, and a muffler.

 

[Sonikku]

I wants to pets its. :'(

 

[cliftonite]

Google bought this company out.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

a flexible spine doesn't store significant energy, it allows additional muscles to act therefore increasing the energy beyond what a single limb (or 2 bound limbs in a gallop) can produce.

i see no need for a flexible spine in most large pedal robots. additional energy can be added with more and more powerful actuators, and articulation of a pelvis or shoulder (less important with greater articulation of the limb) can be done easily with an axial joint on the end of a space frame. an articulate torso would add a great deal of complexity and mass, while compromising the capacity and types of ancillaries and payloads.

no sophisticated vertebrae needed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0BnE1AtCTE

 

[IkebotXP]

Was not thinking this would be about running when clicking the thread.
<-- Perv

 

[William Gaatjes]

a flexible spine doesn't store significant energy, it allows additional muscles to act therefore increasing the energy beyond what a single limb (or 2 bound limbs in a gallop) can produce.

i see no need for a flexible spine in most large pedal robots. additional energy can be added with more and more powerful actuators, and articulation of a pelvis or shoulder (less important with greater articulation of the limb) can be done easily with an axial joint on the end of a space frame. an articulate torso would add a great deal of complexity and mass, while compromising the capacity and types of ancillaries and payloads.

no sophisticated vertebrae needed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0BnE1AtCTE

You are right.

Those soccer droids sure look cute when walking and kicking the ball.

 

[William Gaatjes]

A hexapod robot that can walk around or transform into a sphere and roll around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuC6q9kbryw

 

[gorcorps]

I want one ... :'(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-vVblGlIMgw#t=114

That's really cool. Not 3 grand cool... But still cool

http://www.robugtix.com/t8/

 

[William Gaatjes]

That's really cool. Not 3 grand cool... But still cool

http://www.robugtix.com/t8/

I was afraid that it would be expensive.

 

[gorcorps]

I was afraid that it would be expensive.

They have one that's supposed to have the same functionality but with injection molded pieces so it's cheaper.

http://www.robugtix.com/t8x/

 

[William Gaatjes]

They have one that's supposed to have the same functionality but with injection molded pieces so it's cheaper.

http://www.robugtix.com/t8x/

That makes it more affordable...