Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #00343
To: beam@corp.sgi.com
From: JVernonM@aol.com
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 03:25:50 EST
Subject: [alt-beam] question
I have a question concerning cost versus ability. One of the things I've seen
said repeatedly by beamers is that one of the great things about BEAM tech is
building a better bot at cheaper cost than programed bots. Soooo, why is it
that I can buy a three motor hexapod walker kit from Lynxmotion that is
programable, turns on a dime, reverses, has tactle sensors, and infrared
object detection, for less than 200 bucks American? But a beam walker kit from
Solarbotics, that as far as I know, can only reverse, goes for 300 bucks.
Where is the cost savings? It would seem that when this technology leaves the
realm of scratch builts made with found parts, they suddenly jump to higher
than programed robots when they enter the retail kit market. I don't see a
revolution in cost availability in BEAM walkers. Another thing, My Cybug, a
very advanced analog bot with many higher behaviors costs less than 100 bucks
in kit form (including the hunger add on), while a simple miniball kit goes
for 160. As a matter of fact the photopopper, a limited bot compared to the
basic cybug, are almost the same price. It seems to me that once the builder
advances past the point of photopoppers, the kits go through the roof. Could
someone explain to me how this pricing reality jives with the BEAM philosophy
of a better CHEAPER bot. Don't get me wrong, I love this technology and would
like to see it advance into truly living machines. I just don't see how thats
possible when those that will develope that goal can't afford the tech at a
retail level. OK Johnny Storm, FLAME ON!
Jim
JVernonM@aol.com
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