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.

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There’s a wonderfully imaginitive article over on The Technium postulating the diversity of robots in the future. It talks about how robotic development will create machines better adapted to integrate with our societey and the natural ecology, and in doing so they’ll take on more natural forms.

I love the idea of scavenger bots sustaining themselves from our technowaste. It reminds me of Batteries Not Included. As a child that film made me giddy over robots – that and Short Circuit of course.

You can’t knock this video either…