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'Mantis:' the monster-sized hexapod robot
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By Matthew Knight, CNN
April 19, 2013 -- Updated 1744 GMT (0144 HKT) |
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The Mantis robot, seen here clambering about an industrial yard, is the biggest, all-terrain operational hexapod in the world, according to its UK creators, Micromagic Systems.
The extraordinary looking machine weighs a little under two tons and is powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine.
Chief designer Matt Denton first had the idea to create the Mantis walking robot back in 2007. "My fascination with walking machines started at a young age watching sci-fi films such as 'The Empire Strikes Back,'" Denton says.
"Seeing the imposing images of an AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) walking across a snow scape really got me fascinated with the concept of using legged locomotion on vehicles," Denton says.
Mantis stands 2.8 meters (9.1 feet) tall and can be piloted manually from inside or remotely using Wi-Fi.
Denton secured private funding in 2009 but it took a further three years before Mantis made its first successful test drive.
Mantis is available for private hire and sponsorship.
The Mantis Hexapod
The Mantis Hexapod
The Mantis Hexapod
The Mantis Hexapod
The Mantis Hexapod
The Mantis Hexapod
The Mantis Hexapod
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Robot is biggest all-terrain operational hexapod in the world, according to UK creators
- "Mantis" weighs 1.9 tons and is nearly three meters tall
- Chief engineer Matt Denton inspired by AT-AT walkers in "The Empire Strikes Back"
(CNN) -- Stomping through the fields and industrial wastelands of Britain, this giant six-legged walking robot is a world first, say its creators.
Weighing in at 1,900 kilograms (4,190 pounds) and measuring 2.8 meters (9.1 feet) tall, Mantis is the biggest all-terrain operational hexapod in the world, according to Winchester-based animatronics and robotics company Micromagic Systems.
Chief engineer Matt Denton spent three years designing and testing the machine before completing a successful test drive last year.
Denton started building hexapods in 2001 -- his smaller robots have even featured in the "Harry Potter" film series.
Read: Flying robots perform mind-boggling tricks
"My fascination with walking machines started at a young age watching sci-fi films such as 'The Empire Strikes Back'
Matt Denton, Micromagic systems
"My fascination with walking machines started at a young age watching sci-fi films such as 'The Empire Strikes Back,'" he explains.
"Seeing the imposing images of an AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) walking across a snowscape really got me fascinated with the concept of using legged locomotion on vehicles."
Read: Ban the killer robots before it's too late
Mantis has already cost Denton "hundreds of thousands of pounds," but there are still plenty of engineering challenges to overcome, he says.
The hydraulic power pack and legs could be "much lighter and more efficient" while the 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine would benefit from being "more modern."
Denton hopes to show off the fruits of his labor at events around the UK this summer.
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