disfigured

The first one moves uncannily like an actual animal. Very creepy.

Some robotists and futurist actually believe a more human or animal like robot would be taken care of better by its users. Some people will be intune to a machine that's not running properly some won't. But if it looks visually like something that is struggling or not right, that we are used to seeing, it's more likely to be addressed.

The mondo spider had some gear and what seemed to be traction problems. Seemed like the feet weren't getting sufficient grip to take advantage of its gait. Still cool for a garage/gearhead project.

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Refuge51

See how you said creepy because it moved uncannily like an actual animal? That must be why it caused me to feel sorry for it when the guy kicked it and when it slipped on the ice.

BleedingPinky

TONS of complex algorithmics for making that dog walk, I tell you. At first the sound reminded me of a RC model engine. I´m sure it was one. I´d love to see how they used it, must be for some little generator. Very cool watch. Right now, as far as I know, there is one japanese Uni-College of Engineering who make outstanding robots. Can´t remember the name of it, but they sure are making progresses in this area.

disfigured

There's definitely some sort of combustion engine running, sounds like a small nitro to me. Whether it's powering the legs in the form of producing electricity or direct via or pneumatics or hydraulics would be interesting to see.

Some of the biggest equipment made use diesel engines to produce electricity which in turn powers the machines. Most of the big digging equipment and large dumps used in mines are that way. They're motion whether it be the tires or the the digging arms are powered by low torque electric motors the electricity is in turn supply by an internal diesel generator.

Sometimes remote in the case of the large shovels. They travel around with a generator room on wheels, and actually "plug in".

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Refuge51

Here's more info on Big dog:
Boston Dynamics: The Leader in Lifelike Human Simulation

and;BigDog robot to carry gear for troops - Engadget