Bot pedals on tandem bike behind its maker
Joules was born out of a challenge from its maker's son, a former pro bike racer. Could his dad build an electric tandem based on actually pumping the pedals?
(Credit: Endless-sphere.com)Joules might be a robot, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy a calming tandem bike ride with his creator, Carl. He's not dead weight, either--he actually pedals, thanks to a PMG-132 motor.
There's trouble in paradise, however. Carl writes on the electric-vehicle-technology forums Endless-sphere.com that Joules "does all of the pedaling," which sounds like the start of every sci-fi plot in which overworked robots rebel against their makers. Besides that little hiccup, this is a really cool project, and sort of cute in a weird, nerdy way.
More photos and a video after the jump.
Getting Joules ready for the first ride.
(Credit: Endless-sphere.com)
A closeup of the drive linkage, which uses human-proportional legs to pedal in a circle matching the pedal cranks.
(Credit: Endless-sphere.com)
This story originally appeared on Gizmodo.
ckurwic: there is no waste of time nor money when one is satisfied with their creation process and the outcome of their ideas. I don't suppose that you've never wasted time nor money enjoying something?
- by luke_marsh September 20, 2009 1:14 AM PDT
- They'll have one the can ride a large husky to the shops next at this rate, then no one will need to do their own shopping and Dog's can actually earn their way in life for a change.
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