[Robotgroup] the allure of walking robots

[Def Egge]

At 15:53  2008-07-08, you wrote:
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 >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
 >
 >
 >
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 >Robotgroup mailing list
 >Robotgroup at puremagic.com
 >http://lists.puremagic.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/robotgroup

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See the story about ASIMO "conducting" the orchestra on 
theoddrobot.com ... he has no more appeal as a conductor than a 
metronome ... no facial gesturing, no body language, none of the 
characteristics of a good conductor but he keeps the time well.

I suspect that the Japanese fascination with "appealing" humanoid 
robots is well-founded.  Facial gestures and body language will do a 
lot more to convey subtle meaning than a synthesized voice, any day.

I have a student this Summer who is a very difficult subject to 
interact with ... "it" (FERPA) asks questions but, upon receiving 
answers, exhibits neither facial gestures nor body language that 
might indicate comprehension, confusion, or any other human 
condition.  I am left with neither cues nor clues about what else is 
needed, expected or desired.  I understand what is meant by "talking 
to a wall" now.


-- 

All the best....

Mike