Flame is the world's most advanced -- and Dutch -- walking robot

Walking robots never cease to amaze, but "Flame" from TU Delft PhD student Daan Hobbelen is what we like to call a mega breakthrough. By mimicking the way that humans actually fall forward when walking, this robot comes insanely close to the real thing. Usually, walking robots are energy-hungry propositions, but this is the first that's both efficient and stable. Inside Flame are seven motors and a balance "organ" loaded with stability algorithms. By measuring each step, the robot adjusts stance width, speed, and gait on the go. In the end, kids, we're looking at the world's most advanced and efficient walking robot. If you want to see this thing in action, head on over the read link where you can download a .wmv.

[Biff Superman Posted May 23rd 2008 1:06AM]

does search for buried earthquake victims or not. if not, there is no point to it

[mikeweezer Posted May 23rd 2008 1:17AM]

He is a brilliant engineer.... however, the ability to encode video in a common-use codec has escaped him. Apparently, YouTube was just too damn hard.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 3:05AM]

Hahaha, his surname is 'Hobbelen' and he made a *walking* robot! XD

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 2:56AM]

http://www.physorg.com/newman/gfx/files/Flame_hallway.wmv

[RufusWhite Posted May 23rd 2008 3:25AM]

I was just surprised the words "creepy", "attack" or "overthrow" didn't crop up in the article. Am I reading Gizmodo by without realizing it??
Rufus

[RufusWhite Posted May 23rd 2008 3:34AM]

For those without the codec, the video is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcmjg1ARk-s

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 4:58AM]

The irony of them releasing a robot called Flame will be lost on most people as they dont live in Delft...but, one of the large TU Delft buildings burnt down on Thursday last week sending lovely asbestos fumes across the town I call home.

They said it was a coffee machine malfunction...but now I am beginning to question whether the Dutch ED 209 "Flame" didnt like his birth palace...

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 5:04AM]

I AM FLAAAAAMMMMEEEEE

http://www.nu.nl/news/1564229/12/rss/Grote_brand_bij_TU_Delft.html

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 5:12AM]

Now for the moonwalk

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 6:32AM]

Flame-throwers...it needs flame-throwers

and a pulse laser

and a PPC

and a gauss rifle

[weirdo557 Posted May 24th 2008 3:47AM]

and a harpoon.
and a low orbit laser canon

[j450n Posted May 23rd 2008 7:03AM]

All those PHD smarts, and they can't upload to Youtube/Metcalfe/Vimeo/etc?

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 7:40AM]

The next version comes with a funny accent..

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2008 11:08AM]

Aww, look how nice! They built the Rolof's a new friend =)

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 8:05AM]

Most Dutch?

Shouldn't it be riding a bicycle?

Or does it insist upon separate checks when dining out?

[Wwhat Posted May 23rd 2008 8:12AM]

It probably has a weed dispenser.

[Wwhat Posted May 23rd 2008 8:12AM]

They should stick a picture of osama on his face, will be amusing as facial recognition fights robots, technology vs technology.

[(Unverified) Posted May 29th 2008 12:22AM]

So, are we now saying that the Dutch are being the world leaders of Flaming? ;)