Servo - May 2010

FOR THE ROBOT INNOVATOR

ERVO

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Bryan Bergeron

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Jeff Eckert Jenn Eckert Tom Carroll David Geer Dennis Clark R. Steven Rainwater Fred Eady Kevin Berry Gregory Intermaggio Chris Savage Jeremy Kerfs Daniel Ramirez Pete Smith Jerome Miles Bryce Woolley Evan Woolley Chris Olin

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be obvious – it’s a means of
reducing the energy requirements of
biped robots. I imagine the technique
could be applied to any simple biped
robot such as the Parallax Penguin
( www.parallax.com) or the
Lynxmotion Brat
( www.lynxmotion.com), or a more
complex robot such as a Kondo KHR
humanoid robot (www.kondo-
robot.com). In each case, the feet
would need to be modified
significantly because current
production models don’t use spring
feet. If you’re up for the challenge,
you should read the original report
that details the foot’s operation.
“Recycling Energy to Restore
Impaired Ankle Function during
Human Walking” by Steven Collins
and Arthur Kuo (Plos ONE, Feb.
2010, Vol. 5, Issue 3, e9307) is
available at www.plosone.org. A
PDF of the article is available for free
download. SV

Coming Soon To A SERVO Tankbot Near You! Meet our new columnist, Calvin Turzillo

Well, well, well ... What do we have here? Yet another hip youngster sticking their nose into the affairs of robotic aficionados? Okay, fine, so I’m not that “hip,” but I do know my way around a circuit or two. I suppose you could say that I am the latest recruit into the SERVO Magazine army, here to entertain and inform the masses. My purpose is to explore strange new sensors; to seek out new code and new implementations; to boldly go where no Tankbot has gone before! Yeah ... that was just a little lame on my part, but I promise you that I’ll keep my articles light and interesting while trying to cater to audiences both young and old.

Now you may be asking, “Who does this kid think he is? What does he know about robots?!” I’m glad you inquired imaginary person! I currently hold a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters degree in Space Systems Engineering. In both degrees, I focused on mechatronics, control systems, and long range and long duration robotic operations. While my later studies were mainly in radioisotope thermoelectric generator powered interplanetary robotic missions (a.k.a., little green glowing robonauts), I have built various robotic arms and RC helicopters in my spare time for fun. In my professional career, I have been the lead electrical engineer for two space shuttles, one of the lead Ares I-X vehicle integration engineers, and I am currently working on pushing man beyond low earth orbit as part of the Constellation program. I’m also 26 years old, a virgo, and enjoy long walks on the... Oh wait... That’s for a different “article”...