ROBOT: Mecho-Gecko and Biobots

From: J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Date: Tue Oct 10 2000 - 19:35:26 MDT


Robo-gecko (mecho-gecko)
http://www.discover.com/sept_00/featgecko.html
Two gecko-inspired robots they have already built can zoom up glass windows
using some of the lizard's fancy footwork.

Biobots
http://www.discover.com/sept_00/featbiobot.html
"Take a look at all the major artificial characters that you think you know.
You'll find out that they're all human characterizations: Robby the Robot from
Forbidden Planet, Commander Data [from Star Trek, the Next Generation]. The fact
is, people want a character that essentially is a metal embodiment of a human
personality. You have to start building things that fall in with people's
expectations- that a robot is a faultless Commander Data, wearing an apron, who
pushes a broom and fetches you a beer. It is not some sort of machine that roams
around the hall or cleans under your couch, even if that's what the robots are
best at."



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