Worth Reading?
+6 [8 votes]
WowWee’s Roboquad gives me the creeps. There, I’ve said it. It’s Robosapien may have been a vaguely friendly ape-like bot, but this multi-legged arachnoid/crab hybrid monster thing obviously triggers some long-forgotten childhood fears of mine. Maybe I was attacked by Mark Tilder wearing a spider suit. Anyway, PC Mag have tested out the white beast, and come away sounding more than a little confused.
On the plus side, it’s pretty unique and certainly has enough functionality to occupy the average target-audience ten-year-old. It’s also sturdy and does a relatively good job of recognising obstacles and avoiding them. On the minus side, however, it’s vaunted personality modes aren’t really different enough from each other to make them noticeable, and frustrating little details (like anything you programme Roboquad to do being lost when you turn the power off) mar the experience.
Here’s inventor Mark Tilder demonstrating a pair of Roboquads at this year’s CES. The movements really do make me shudder, but I still want one!
PC Mag [via Street Tech]
One thing I love about robots is the diversity of form that is possible.
One thing I love about humans is the diversity of thought and response that is possible.
I can appreciate, Chris, that a spider thang taps into your memory bank. I think of the replicators when i see roboquad — but it seems like a crisp explorer to me, not a prickly night thing.
I turned a gaggle of kids loose on my roboquad — and the youngest one was a little disturbed by its insecty feel… but that’s exactly what the older ones loved.
all the best.
egadfly
http://www.robocommunity.com/
remember the ’80s movie “Runaway” with Tom Selleck? The Roboquad reminds me of the evil robot spiders that Gene Simmons’ character unleashes. The bot is definitely a bit creepy.
Also, the Roboquad inventor’s name is Mark Tilden.
Regards,
John
http://www.futuresheet.com