[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDaNkff5Yyg]
Apod walks! If you recall, last year we discovered Apod, the creepy lifelike hexapod creation made by [Zenta]. At that point in time, it basically just shifted around nicely but didn’t do much walking. Well, [Zenta] has been hard at work since then and now Apod is fully active, walking, running, and serving drinks with smooth motion. Want to learn more about how his inverse kinematics work? Check out this thread.
[thanks Weaz]
It seems pretty cool, can someone tell me what makes this so different than stuff they have in Hollywood or at NASA?
Wow… it look s almost alive now, like he’s randomized some of the movements a bit. They’re not as precise it seems, but it’s just friggin awesome to see a mechanical ant carrying a box and have it actually look like an ant. This is some really good stuff, the other bots aside. =)
And just when I thought it couldn’t get any creepier…
I’m looking forward to seeing these things upgraded to a size that can carry a person or two. Would like to see an 8 legged version as well. This is an incredible project!
holy cow i must have one now and it better be cheaper than my laptop pc
thx
I don’t comment too much but the apod is absolutely incredible! The very nice motions and range of mobility is fantastic. I wonder what it’s max lift weight is?
The inverse kinematics link didn’t really give a lot of information… what’s he using on the PC to control this thing? that is one amazing robot, both from a build quality and a control standpoint!
Amazing! Absolutely one of the best hexapods in existance…the movement is disturbingly lifelike!
Give it a retarded AI, make it cheaper, and go to market with it, kids will eat this thing up.
Where can I get one, and how much. XD
This is absolutely amazing, reminds me of the replicators from SG-1. Inverse Kinematics is a really cool tool to play with, though I’ve only used it in Poser for model position, being able to position a part and let the algorithm figure out the motions necessary, THAT is cool.
Awwr, I think he’s cute.
I want one!
Brilliant!
With the 3D-parts-printing service from the previous post (http://www.shapeways.com/) that could be almost in my budget…
Like Gregory, I don’t comment much here, but that is quality! I expected to hear it roar when it pressed forwards (you know, as ants do lol). Absolute quality!
Since the video of it moving was shot at 4x, it’s more of a snail then a ant.
Still cool and all but at a v…e…r…y s…l…o…w p…a…c…e
Am I the only one who wants to see how he controls it? That seems like lots of possible movements.
@vonskippy
Actually, I think it’s just the later portions shot at 4x. It’s pretty quick. Though I would like to see it try differing terrain like short grass and negoiating small stairs/curbs
Can we expect to see a DIY version of this?
Did anybody else suddenly think “replicator” from Stargate SG-1?
Regardless I’m impressed by the speed and fluidity of the motions. Well done!
Just when I thought that couldn’t be any more lifelike, it does. Still creepy.
hell, if he was selling it my offer would be $1000
First of all:
Wow how many creepy robots does have?
Secondly:
where is the spider-brain attached to it?
Seriously:
Amazing job wish i could do something half as cool as that,bravo.
If you are wondering how it is controlled(software) check it out here: http://www.lynxmotion.com/images/html/proj102.htm
This is according to one of Zenta’s posts, he says he used the latest version of the software for A-Pod now. http://forums.trossenrobotics.com/showpost.php?p=39705&postcount=79
Still not autonomous?
Well, I for one..!
This was really amazing work! I haven’t seen the other pods before either.
Now, scale the T-Hex up so it can carry a person and immobile/handicapped people will take over the Earth!
was that ant serving minors the High Life?
Absolutely beautiful.
-and just at the point in the video when I’m thinking, “put a camera on it!” there ya go.
I’m disappointed that we couldn’t see the on-board camera’s view or the ‘bots going through different kinds of terrain, but on the other hand, WOW!!
Incredibly cool!
Nice, but needs some work
1) electromagnets on feet to scale metal objects
2) head mounted camera with object recognition
3) speeech recognition either onboard, or on the remote controller
4) scorpion tale with bottle opener
Ordering your robot to go fetch you a nice cold beer from the fridge. Priceless.
give me one thats 2x bigger, I drink 40oz’s. Or get one that 5-8x bigger , kegs are heavy and I could use some AI and GPS so I could ride it home from the party.
No more Bucking Bulls @ the salon, now there will be bucking Hexapods.
This is one of my favorite to watch. Excellent project. I just wish I could buy the kit.
Fit that thing out with some light armor plating, a fuel cell powered by processed organic matter and an instatiable hunger for human flesh, and thats one of my nightmares come to life…
the best thing ever. the end.
omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg…
Firstly, HAD can thank thank this things maker as THE single reason why I read HAD once a day.
I saw the first video and it gave me goosebumps seeing how it moved. I waited, and waited, and waited for him to update us with his improvements on the walking as it was pretty rough in the first video. It seemed he got distracted by other projects and sadly I thought he had moved on.
Seeing this has just made my day. Its the sole reason I am trying to build a CNC machine, the sole reason why I have begun reading datasheets, manuals and literature on EE.
I got goose bumps seeing it walk.
LEGEND.
Absolutely amazing. It moves so smoothly, it almost looks CGI. I agree with other posts that say they want to see it traverse different types of terrain. I look forward to seeing more progress!
I for one welcome our new ant overlords.
This thing seriously needs a voicebox for growling and howling.
One day he will get a knock at the door from the government asking if he would like to build these as military weapons. It’s only a matter of time.