I took a course in college on motor control, and yes while that was "way back when" the topic of robotic walking is still a tough nut to crack from an engineering point of view. Walking is incredibly difficult! Balancing meat on four legs (nevermind TWO) is not easy. The fact that we do it at all is a near miracle. I won't attempt to scratch the surface of the complexities behind locomotion, but if there's a lurking physical or occupational therapist who'd like to, be my guest in the comments.
But take a look at THIS: If I saw this in the woods I would run the other way. To me this is way into the uncanny valley. Well done Boston Dynamic, now please use your knowledge for good, not evil.
Kris - My son is WAY into robots now so I showed him this video. Since he's 2, he didn't really get it, but when I watched this related video, he was even more confused.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXJZVZFRFJc
Posted by: Rick | 08 December 2008 at 03:51 PM