Introducing my latest papertoy – Woadkill Wabbit.

Click here to download

Comment and suggestions, are more than welcome!

One of my new favourite TV shows is BBC4’s It’s Only A Theory, where experts chat about their (often surprising) theories. Presenters Andy Hamilton and Reginald D Hunter, along with a weekly guest, review the theory with a good mix of comedy and honest discussion. It’s a bit like Dave Gorman’s Genius, but with genuine theories, and a bit less silliness. Watching it last night got me thinking about a theory I’d take to the panel (if I were an expert in something – which I’m not)…

The Brain is Not a Computer

I actually think the brain is a computer, if you define “computer” quite broadly as an information processing machine. And if you define “information”, “processing” and “machine” quite broadly too. What I’m actually saying it that the metaphor of the brain being like a desktop computer isn’t a very good one. (more…)

I’ve got a theory about gravity, not just a theory, an explanation for how gravity works. I can tell you, dear reader, exactly why bodies of mass are drawn together. My theory is clear, simple and above all correct. I know this because I have proven it. The proof is all around, as clear as sky. Allow me to explain… (more…)

What’s the point in Recorded Delivery? I pay five times more than a stamp fo what? To make sure my post gets there? Can’t the Royal Mail just not loose my letters? Obviously not, otherwise they wouldn’t offer the service.

Actually, Royal Mail, here’s a suggestion for you, why not print to odd’s of a letter reaching it’s destination on to the stamp?

• 1st class – 10:1
• 2nd class – 20:1
• 1st class large envelope (don’t get me started) – Guaranteed to be bent.
• Anything that rattles – 2:1 it’ll be more rattly when it gets there.
• Anything that looks like a birthday card – 0 chance if it’s got a bit of cash in it.

Stupid post.

I started my MSc in Intelligent Systems last week, for our first assignment we were asked to write a little bit about a relevent field. We were asked to provide a history of the subject and to talk about the current applications of the technology. I chose to write about passive dynamic robotics.  I’ve included it here – because I can.

Here ’tis…

Passive dynamics is a form of locomotion where the mechanics of the device allow it to be driven forward from it’s own inertia, with minimal energy input. Formally, passive dynamics was described by McGeer (1990), but it is inspired by gravity powered toys dating back to the 1800’s (Fallis 1888). These early bipedal toys were able to walk down gentle inclines, with no energy input other than the gravitational force. The mechanics of these designs caused the toy to rock laterally from side to side, allowing one foot to swing in front of the other, producing a forward walking motion.

(more…)