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| The Magic Of Honda Robots |
Walking is something that most of us take for granted. I mean it's easy right? We do it without thinking. Every time you walk to the fridge to get a cold drink, you're just doing something that you learned as a young child. But to robots, walking really isn't quite so easy. That's the first thing you have to understand to appreciate just what the Honda Robots do.
Honda, yep - the people that make the cars - have been developing what they call a 'sophisticated walking technology' in a series of human like robots. Now, this isn't the kind of walking that you get in something like our much loved Robosapien! The stuff used in the Honda Robots is really complex walking mechanics. We're talking balancing, lifting one leg up and putting it down in front of another.
Going back into robo history class here for a second, walking robots have traditionally been vast, lumbering and complex mechanical monsters. Inventions that could run into hundreds of thousands of bucks, and that were prone to fall on their robotic butts every few steps. Yep, walking really IS that difficult when you're made out of metal.
The walking technology in the Honda Robots is far more advanced. I mean comparing it to those earlier walkers is a bit like comparing the ZX Spectrum to a modern PC. Honda's creations go by the name of ASIMO. Which stands for 'Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility'. You can see why they shortened it to 'ASIMO'.
The Honda robots are pretty amazing things. Actually, that doesn't quite cover it. They're almost spooky. It's little wonder that some skeptics first saw them and thought there was a really small person in a suit clambering around. They're ahead of their time and they are just haunting to watch walking around. Take a look at some of the Honda Robot Movies here.
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The overall goal with the Honda robots is to create a robot which will eventually be able to help humanity in some way. It will be very interesting to follow the growth and development of these magic androids.
Beginner Robot Kits
This is the place to start if you're new to robot building. You can get some good, low cost kits here which are a lot of fun to build.
Intermediate Robot Kits
Some really good kits here for anyone who has mastered the basics of robot building and wants to explore further. I recommend the Moon Walker 2 kit.
Advanced Robot Kits
So, you're looking for a bit of a challenge? Well you'll find it here. There's a range of kits here including some really good walking robots.
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