PETMAN Prototype

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By Phillip Torrone
Posted 2009/10/26 @ 7:34 pm
Category Robotics

The video you’ll be seeing on every tech site shortly

Biped robot the balances dynamically using a human-like walking motion. It is a close relative to BigDog, sharing elements of the mechanical design and control.

BY Phillip Torrone

Editor at large - Make magazine. Creative director - Adafruit Industries, contributing editor - Popular Science. Previously: Founded - Hack-a-Day, how-to editor - Engadget, Director of product development - Fallon Worldwide, Technology Director - Braincraft.

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5 Responses to PETMAN Prototype

Jack on October 26th, 2009 at 10:08 pm said:

This is an awesome demonstration. First their dog robots, and now this biped. It’s amazing how it responds so smoothly to being pushed, much like it’s predecessors.

I’m wondering about something, though. I keep seeing these advanced robotics funded by DARPA and the military, and I’m wondering if there are any cool projects aimed at improving the world, rather than focused on warmaking. I’m a US Marine, and understand the need for such robots, but I’d love to see more advanced robots with a philanthropic purpose. I assume there’s just not as much funding for such things. We’ve seen the robot designed to lift people in a hospital or elderly care environment, but I can’t think of anything else off-hand.

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- Stuart on October 27th, 2009 at 12:23 am said:
  
  The rockets that took us to the moon were only possible because of all the ones that rained down in the war.
  
  Also, why does a robot need red sneakers?
  
  Reply ↓
  
  Jack on October 28th, 2009 at 2:05 am said:
  
  I don’t disagree with you. I do think it’s sad that it is that way, though.
  
  Reply ↓
Phillip Torrone on October 26th, 2009 at 10:12 pm said:

@jack – this is the best comment i’ve read on MAKE this year, nicely done.

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Mike on October 27th, 2009 at 6:20 am said:

Never mind pushing it – they need to test this with ewoks swinging logs at it.

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