Posted 02.09.2011 at 4:58 pm
6 Comments
Robo Runner
Robots like Robovie-PC will be used to run the first-ever robot marathon.
Vstone
Marathoners may sometimes seem like robots, with their single-minded focus and obsessive dedication to finishing their goal. Now some actual robots in Japan are gearing up for a marathon of their own.
The research firm Vstone is putting together the world’s first robot marathon, involving 422 laps around a 100-meter track. Imagine this little robo-scurry on a 42-kilometer scale.
The video shows Vstone's Robovie-PC robot autonomously following a line. Marathon competitors will either “run” autonomously like this bot, or they may be operated by humans using remote controls, according to Vstone. The event’s time, date and place are still to be determined.
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Tags
Technology, Rebecca Boyle, autonomous robot, endurance race, future of robots, humanoid robots, marathoners, marathons, robots, runner, runningThe total distance is 26.2 miles, so odds are some robot feet, gears and motors may be wearing out.
The Robovie will be a tough competitor, with its 20 degrees of freedom and 1.3 megapixel headcam, which helps it navigate. The robot’s 1.6 GHz processor gives it the computing power of a standard PC, and it can connect to the Internet.
It might not be as fun as a ballet or a robo soccer game, but endurance trials can help test robots’ durability, which will probably be more important than a single trick once we welcome them into our lives.
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this is kinda funny cause (I live in Japan btw) Japan is notorious for mainly having HALF marathons. Most cities host a "marathon" every year. There are more than a couple in my small town of 40,000 and even more in the capital city. They call them marathons, but they are always HALF marathons. Its actually kinda rare to find a full length marathon in Japan from my experience.
Hahaha This is so exciting. If only Japan could create robots that can run as fast as humans, that would be the best race ever.
Why only half-marathons?
Is there a limit on pedality? Two legs? Four legs? Six legs? Wheels? Skis? Springs?
AO
Is it just me or is the robot having touble staying on the line?
Not just you - its having trouble staying on the line - Cool though !
Only a matter of time before they are in every household like computers.