[Robotgroup] the allure of walking robots

[Gray Mack]

I really like the three swashbot designs featured on theoddrobot.com I think it comes from crabfu.com. There are several youtube clips that show movement and build tips. The only problem is the three legged robot doesn't really walk. Still, it does manage to scoot around a bit. Also, to get the easy swash plate (helicopter term) movement you need a fancy radio but that's not required. 

An 13 to 18 servo hexapod or humanoid has a hefty price tag and requires a lot of programing to do anything at all. There are a number of 3 servo designs that are capable of some amount of directional crawling or friction scooting, with 2,3,4, or 6 legs that may be linked or use twisting torsos. Some made from laser cut parts, some that Brooks threw together in 5 minutes at an event with spare bailing wire. (You really should do a youtube / instructable of that one) 

But in fact, I have never seen a walking robot that really did a good job of getting around. But even the ones that can't can have an incredible appeal. I am not really sure what causes this phenomenon or how to maximize it. Organic motion? cute baby stumbling? emotional conveyance? How much has to do with movement and how much with fur/carapace, head bob, batting of eyebrows, and blinky LED eyes?

-Gray