Category: Things with Motors

Unintentionally hilarious research abstract (Doc Ock approves…)

Robotic tentacles provide an interesting alternative to conventional rigid-link robotic arms; in certain situations, they may even be more capable. Kinetic Sciences Inc. has developed a hybrid electric-pneumatic tentacular robot called the KSI tentacle manipulator. It has variable compliance, can bend independently in two or more regions, and can extend to more than five times its contracted length. In total, the Tentacle has six degrees of freedom-or seven with the addition of a distal wrist-rotate joint. The Tentacle’s unusual kinematics and inherent compliance demand new approaches to control. Three schemes are considered here: joystick-based teleoperation, inverse kinematics-based tendon length control, and machine vision-based fine position control. Under control, the Tentacle has broad potential in many applications, including teleoperated vacuuming and spray washing (for nuclear hot cell decontamination), general materials handling, agricultural harvesting, robotic refueling, and endoscopy.

What about …. telesex???  I zoomed in on the “extend five times….” right away.  Okay, now it’s time to go give my dirty mind a shower. 

Dr. Filk Posts an Ad

Dr. Filk posted an ad for a BMW bike on Craigslist yesterday, used the household phone number, and then messed off for the afternoon.  He apparently doesn’t believe me when I told him that the phone rang off the wall; he could always check with Keith, who would be happy to corroborate.  It only remains to be added that the phone rang at 7:30 this morning about the ad.  Although it would have been extremely enjoyable to dance cheerfully into his bedroom with the phone in my hand, to announce in thrilling tones, “Phone for you, darling!” I politely told the guy to email back.