Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #13902
To: alt-beam@yahoogroups.com
From: "John A. deVries II" hogfather@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 03:18:44 -0000
Subject: Why sliders?
The slider contest has been a topic in the main list for months now.
Ok, sure, it is possible to create robots whose mode of movement is
so particular, but...
Question: what is the point of making a slider robot other than to
show that it can be done? Can anyone name advantages to this sort of
robot? I'm not attempting to belittle the attempt, by the way.
For example, a slider is almost certainly stable as long as the
surface itself isn't tilted too much and the center of gravity is
contained withing the area of support. Not falling down is quite an
advantage.
And perhaps as a result you could make a robot that moves faster than
those that use orthodox static stability (tripod gait, for example).
Dynamic stability is still going to be faster/efficient because it
doesn't waste energy overcoming friction.
However, perhaps a slider might fit a niche in between.
Your thoughts on this matter?
Your Friendly Hogfatherness
Home