Andro Bot and Deb E Droid Autonomous Humanoid Robots 2001/10

Purpose: To crush all hu-mans! Controller: Neural processor; a learning computer Sensors: Stereo, full visible light spectrum photosensors Stereo, full audio spectrum aural receptors Locomotion: Bipedal motion via slow twich muscle fibres Actuators: 2 x 5 DOF arm and fully-articulated 5-finger gripper Power Supply: Four-chamber organic engine Dimensions: 1.5' x 1.5' x ~6' (width x depth x height) Status: 2001/10 - won Best Costumes at Babylon Club (Ottawa) 2002/05 - attended 2002 OCAD Sumo Robot Challenge

Purpose

The "Andro Bot" and "Deb E Droid" costumes were designed to creatively express our interest in, and fascination with, robots; specifically, the iconic robot image developed in and around the 1950's and still prevalent in pop culture today. Creating life-sized robot mascots was the perfect way to embody our hobby.

Construction

The robot body is made from cardboard boxes. The torso measures 18" x 18" x 27". The head measures 13" x 18" x 15" and is secured to the torso with Velcro strips. Two large red Styrofoam balls, with functional LED eyes light up the robot's personality. A rectangular hole, backed with red screen serves as the mouth and provides a small field of view for the wearer. The head and torso were painted silver, and dryer duct used for the arms, attached internally by wads of duct tape. Red, stretchy gloves completed the look.

Competition

The robots and their masters entered the Babylon Club Halloween Costume in October of 2001. The robots won first prize for their outstanding appearance and funky dance moves. Many humans commented that the robot costumes struck a cord with them and elicited fond memories from childhood.

The robot masters were awarded Gold Passes to Babylon, entitling free admission to all events at the club for the following year.

The robots also attended the 2002 OCAD Sumo Robot Challenge with Basey, where the trio won the Judges' Choice Award!

Lessons Learned

Don't leave things to the last minute. Due to various scheduling conflicts, we seemed to put off working on the robots and ended up having to finish off the costumes up to the last minute, in a frantic hurry.

Dryer duct that is silver and fits around a human arm was very hard to acquire. Don't take fore granted that you'll be able to quickly and easily find the right supplies.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to: the supporters and fans of our robot costumes; Babylon Club for awarding us the Gold Passes and providing great shows and many fun nights; Deborah Pasternak for her partner role in this project, and the preceeding write-up.

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