The robot velociraptor-claw-attack simulator

Everyone remember that classic example of wasteful research wherein scientists intensively tested the physical properties and viscosity of ketchup? No? Well, we've got the insane paleontologist/dinosaur-hunter version of those tests; Phil Manning and some colleagues from the University of Manchester decided to learn for themselves exactly how damaging a robot-simulated hit of a velociraptor's talon would be. Surprisingly enough, they discovered the claw didn't slash so much as puncture, which would hold the prey in place while the death blow was dealt by the creature's powerful jaws. Interesting. More interesting, however, will be what happens when we affix a few of these to our Engadget-issued Segways.

[Via The Raw Feed]

[Klar @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

All I want to know is, did they eat the meat raw or BBQ it first? (The "scientits," pretty sure velociraptors had a beer with the BBQ action.)

[Shin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

How can they put this story up and NOT show a video? Argh, now I feel unsatisfied.

[Jimmy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

"How can they put this story up and NOT show a video? Argh, now I feel unsatisfied."

They made this for a BBC show aired a couple of weeks back. It was pretty cool. :)

[aprodite @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I saw this on TV it was pretty neat.

They also used a section of croc skin, but the claw failed to puncture that. The tip of the claw brok off in fact.

[Lesbian Ham @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Yeah I remember watchin this on TV.
If i remember correctly, they also did a test to see how strong a triceratops' horns were. Cant remember the exact test, but I remember the triceratops' nose broke (I think) before the horns could do any penetration.

[ryan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Yah know if you did put them on the company segways they would look like a raptor, (I don't know if u guys have riden a segway) because when the segway speeds up it leans foward more and more and acelerates, like a velocitratper when it runs
Ah I can see the movie now people on segways with claws punturing and scraping people and draging them.... Goood. Goooood.
~Ryan~

[len @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

You're WRONG, Dr. Grant!

[ShaolinTrooper @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Send out the remotely runned robtic raptors Mr. Robertson!!!

[bonkeykong @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

isnt there a show on the discovery channel like this?

[Middle school teacher @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Interesting movie tidbid:

The "acid eating away metal" special effect is created by spraying 100% acetone on spray-painted styrofoam.

Try it sometime - get the full-strength stuff, put it in a glass jar that you're not going to mind throwing away, and see how many styrofoam cups you can stuff into it.

They're not kidding when they say styro is mostly air. :)