Re: Walkers

In message <004f01c1751d$d50599e0$b16e60cb@your1ji53vwc26>
	  "Andrew Martin" <Al.Bri@xtra.co.nz> wrote:

> Iain wrote:
> > I was watching TV last night and there was a discussion on robots
and how
> to make them walk. It turned out that it was *easier to programme* a
> 2-legged robot than a 4-legged (or more) as the complexity of multiple
legs
> was a more difficult programming task.  Not 100% convinced myself, but
they
> were demonstrating a 2-legged robot.
> 
> Several years ago, I remember seeing on a TV Documentary a tethered
> Pogo-stick-like hopping robot that could move around (to the limit of
it's
> power and communications cable) quite easily. So I think that multiple
legs
> do add to the difficulty.
> 
> Andrew Martin
> ICQ: 26227169 http://valley.150m.com/
> -><-
> 
Yes, I remember that, it was one of a number of highly agile robots (or
rather robot legs - IIRC the control computer was separate and
controlled the bot through a cable).

I'm not sure about the feasability of a giant battlemech pogo-hopping
accross the battlefield though (and I really wouldn't wan't to crew
one) :-)

OTOH, when first use, it could immobalise an entire enemy army, as they
stand there, paralysed in disbelief! ;-)

At smaller sizes, it could prove quite practical.

Charles