The number one question I get from my readers about CES 2017 is this:
"What was the most amazing thing you saw?"
Yesterday, I wrote about what was for me personally, the highlight of the show; the EHang 184 Autonomous Aerial Vehicle.
Today, I'll tell you about the second most amazing thing... And, if I weren't a real "flying junkie," this might have rated first place.
Hi again, it's @creatr reporting again
about my recent trip to CES in Las Vegas, the massive annual trade show for electronics industry professionals.
NOTE: Don't miss my first three posts about CES: Here, here, and here.
Today, I'll tell you about a very cool robot...
Do You Recognize This Man-Bot? - Original Photo
Am I talking about Iron Man?
No, sorry, that's just a click-bait teaser... a photo I took of an empty Iron Man suit in a CES display... But there was another, rather amazing, giant robot at the Furrion booth.
While at CES, I visited Furrion Robotics (#FurrionCES)
Meet Prosthesis, a man-amplifying, racing exoskeleton.
Prosthesis, Man-Amplifying Exoskeleton - Original Photo
Prosthesis is a mech;
a strong, fast, man-operated running machine. The idea is that a pilot will climb into this machine and cause it to run races on all kinds of terrain at up to 20 miles per hour or more. Yes, that is indeed faster than I can run unassisted...
The Prosthesis Pilot Cradle - Original Photo
The Mech has four legs,
two of which are controlled by the pilot's legs and two of which are controlled by the pilots hands and arms. It was designed and built by its pilot and a small, private team of enthusiasts, including a couple of metal fabricators.
As I understand it from speaking to one of the metal mechanics, the project was mostly privately funded until being acquired by Furrion. It reached its present state of completion barely in time to be shown at this year's CES.
Pilot Explains an Arm Control to a Visitor |
A Closer View of the Pilot Cradle |
Weighing in at almost four tons,
Prosthesis will echo its pilot's gorilla-like movements, two inner legs controlled by the pilot's legs, and two outer legs by the pilots arm motions. I really have to wonder how much of a pounding the Prosthesis pilot will have to endure? The Furrion website indicates that the pilot will have to be an athlete.
One More Look at the Pilot Cradle - Original Photo
While substantially complete,
the robot still has significant finishing touches required. The control systems are not yet fully implemented and installed.
Its legs and feet are certainly massive and powerful-looking. The photo below shows one of the two inner legs and feet.
Closeup of Inner Leg and Foot - Original Photo
More Detail, and an Animation:
On the Furrion Robotics web page, you can see other detailed photos and drawings.
Popular Mechanics magazine has also done a nice article about the mech - of particular interest is an animation that can help you visualize how Prosthesis moves.
Today's CES Booth Babe
is part of an acrobatic team:
CES Acrobat Babe - Original Photo
Honestly, I go to CES for the tech, not the eye candy... really.
However, the CES Booth Babes do add color and interest. They help break up an otherwise "purely techno" day of talking to exhibitors and kicking the tires of all the new technology. Yes, CES can be enjoyed on many levels.
Thanks for your time and attention.
I'm here on Steemit because of you, my readers. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!
This post is intended to count towards @dragosroua's Challenge30.
I have very eclectic interests and hope, over time, to write about all of them.
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