Clockwork Robots
I use 'Robot' rather than 'Automata' because the idea is an all-mechanical 'Bump-n-Go' explorer style robot.
Useing the bumper sensors to trigger clutches rather than microswitches is an interesting problem. Mechanical amplifiers will probably have to be installed in the sensors, in order to take the impact energy and ramp it up to a level that can drive clutches.
A mechanical amplifier and a diaphramn would allow some level of reaction to loud sounds.
Useing sunshades and bimetal strip style thermometers would allow the robot to sence local tempurtures, and engage in sunseeking 'Photovore' behavior. Ultimately, a parabolic mirror and a small Stirling engine might be able to wind the robot's mainspring back up.
Fluidics would probably be the easiest way to do this, but I am very tempted by the idea of brass clockworks ticking and humming, the sunlight flashing from the sharp edges of gearteeth.
Clockwork being impulsive by its very nature, each robot would have its own heartbeat. It could also be stopped, and be dead until a given sensory stimulus bringing it back from the dead. At least until the lubrication seized from the passage of time.
A electricity-free robot , crawling around the room, seeking sunlight and avoiding loud people. Sounds like the defination of a housecat.
Useing the bumper sensors to trigger clutches rather than microswitches is an interesting problem. Mechanical amplifiers will probably have to be installed in the sensors, in order to take the impact energy and ramp it up to a level that can drive clutches.
A mechanical amplifier and a diaphramn would allow some level of reaction to loud sounds.
Useing sunshades and bimetal strip style thermometers would allow the robot to sence local tempurtures, and engage in sunseeking 'Photovore' behavior. Ultimately, a parabolic mirror and a small Stirling engine might be able to wind the robot's mainspring back up.
Fluidics would probably be the easiest way to do this, but I am very tempted by the idea of brass clockworks ticking and humming, the sunlight flashing from the sharp edges of gearteeth.
Clockwork being impulsive by its very nature, each robot would have its own heartbeat. It could also be stopped, and be dead until a given sensory stimulus bringing it back from the dead. At least until the lubrication seized from the passage of time.
A electricity-free robot , crawling around the room, seeking sunlight and avoiding loud people. Sounds like the defination of a housecat.
No comments:
Post a Comment