Newsgroups: comp.robotics
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From: smjeff@lerc05.lerc.nasa.gov (Jeff Miller)
Subject: Re: The Springwalker machine
Message-ID: <1992Sep11.142340.8769@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov>
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Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland Ohio
References: <SJE.92Sep10120945@xylos.ma30.bull.com>
Distribution: comp
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 14:23:40 GMT
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In article <SJE.92Sep10120945@xylos.ma30.bull.com> sje@xylos.ma30.bull.com writes:
>Yesterday (1992.09.09) I saw a brief piece on CNN about a rather
>interesting new apparatus that provides mechanical assistance for
>human locomotion.  Called the "Springwalker", the machine consists of
>a metal frame worn on the user's back with springs and pulleys that
>connect to a part of articulated "legs".  The two mechanical legs are
>driven by the user's legs and form the only contact with the ground.
>Invented by a physicist, the newly patented device promises to allow
>walking speeds of from ten to fifteen meters per second (20-30 MPH).
>The idea is that springs connected to the machine legs absorb and
>store recoil energy instead of having it be dissipated as heat.
>
>I was interesting to watch.  The springs and pulleys were a bit noisy,
>however.  Perhaps the biggest problems were the apparent need for
>assistance in mounting and unmounting the machine.
>
>The inventor was hoping for mass production of the devices to bring
>the per unit cost down to US$1500 or so.
>
>This definitely looks like something that experimental roboticists
>should look at as an alternative to wheel or track based locomotion.
>
> [The above opinions expressed are my own; not necessarily held by others.]
>      == Steven J. Edwards           Bull HN Information Systems Inc. ==
>      == (508) 294-3484              300 Concord Road         MS 820A ==
>      == sje@xylos.ma30.bull.com     Billerica, MA 01821          USA ==
>"That Government which Governs the Least, Governs Best." -- Thomas Jefferson


I have never heard of this device, but it sounds like a double pogo stick.
"Locomoting" on a regular pogo stick is very tiring, which is due in part
to the extra mass you have to carry around.  Since this new thing weighs
twice as much as an equivalent single pogo stick I would guess that it
would be more tiring than a single pogo stick.  I agree that legs have
several advantages over wheels, however, this particular device doesn't
sound all that promising.  It might make an interesting piece of
exercise equipment.  Sort of like a Stairmaster where the scenery changes.


-- 
Jeffrey H. Miller     smjeff@lerc05.lerc.nasa.gov
Sverdrup Technology, NASA Lewis Research Center Group, Cleveland, Ohio

favorite book title: Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons

