NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #20/NN_1992_20.iso/spool/comp/robotics/1754

Internet Message Format | 1992-09-10 | 1.9 KB

Path: sparky!uunet!know!mips2!bubba!sje
From: [e-mail] (Steven J. Edwards)
Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Subject: The Springwalker machine
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Date: 10 Sep 92 16:09:45 GMT
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Organization: Bull HN, Worldwide Information Systems, Billerica, Mass., USA
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Yesterday (1992.09.09) I saw a brief piece on CNN about a rather
interesting new apparatus that provides mechanical assistance for
human locomotion.  Called the "Springwalker", the machine consists of
a metal frame worn on the user's back with springs and pulleys that
connect to a part of articulated "legs".  The two mechanical legs are
driven by the user's legs and form the only contact with the ground.
Invented by a physicist, the newly patented device promises to allow
walking speeds of from ten to fifteen meters per second (20-30 MPH).
The idea is that springs connected to the machine legs absorb and
store recoil energy instead of having it be dissipated as heat.

I was interesting to watch.  The springs and pulleys were a bit noisy,
however.  Perhaps the biggest problems were the apparent need for
assistance in mounting and unmounting the machine.

The inventor was hoping for mass production of the devices to bring
the per unit cost down to US$1500 or so.

This definitely looks like something that experimental roboticists
should look at as an alternative to wheel or track based locomotion.

 [The above opinions expressed are my own; not necessarily held by others.]
      == Steven J. Edwards           Bull HN Information Systems Inc. ==
      == [phone]              300 Concord Road         MS 820A ==
      == [e-mail]     Billerica, MA 01821          USA ==
"That Government which Governs the Least, Governs Best." -- Thomas Jefferson