Good idea for fencing dummy?

[needle]

http://news.com.com/2300-11394_3-606...tag=ne.gall.pg

[Goldgar]

Cool!

[oiuyt]

Anyone have any additional info on this project?

edit: from a text article on the site:

Nearby was a self-fencing machine, in which two robot arms controlled battling swords. No robots were harmed in the making of this machine.

Sounds like a scripted mechanical toy. I have a weight-driven device with a couple of "fencers" on it that is intended to look like it's a copy of something from a couple of centuries ago (who knows, perhaps that's exactly what it is). That's no more interesting than these "robot fencers".

Put some sensors in a robot and have it react to the input and it's worth talking about. A mechanical toy that just goes through a pre-set routine -- even if that routine includes waving foil blades around -- just isn't interesting.
[/edit]

-B

[Goldgar]

Originally Posted by oiuyt

Anyone have any additional info on this project?

edit: from a text article on the site:


Sounds like a scripted mechanical toy. I have a weight-driven device with a couple of "fencers" on it that is intended to look like it's a copy of something from a couple of centuries ago (who knows, perhaps that's exactly what it is). That's no more interesting than these "robot fencers".

Put some sensors in a robot and have it react to the input and it's worth talking about. A mechanical toy that just goes through a pre-set routine -- even if that routine includes waving foil blades around -- just isn't interesting.
[/edit]

This might be more like it:

http://www.dcs.qmul.ac.uk/cs4fn/alif...otfencing.html

[needle]

Originally Posted by oiuyt

A mechanical toy that just goes through a pre-set routine -- even if that routine includes waving foil blades around -- just isn't interesting.

I respectfully disagree. IMHO, a fencing dummy that is able to go through a pre-set routine, especially computer-controlled fencing dummy, that can have routines programmed into it, could be a very useful training tool.

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by needle

I respectfully disagree. IMHO, a fencing dummy that is able to go through a pre-set routine, especially computer-controlled fencing dummy, that can have routines programmed into it, could be a very useful training tool.

Could be, with enough control options.

Meh, I could even find uses for a computer controlled blade that I could make randomly move in a variety of fencing actions. If for no other purpose than practicing disengages in a more realistic setting than vs. a hanging golf ball on a string.

-B

[escrimeuse02]

what controls/options would you want in a robotic fencing dummy? any specific features?

what are the 3 most important functions that would separate it from the conventional stationary dummy or the golfball on a string?

[Farfetnoogen]

Originally Posted by escrimeuse02

what controls/options would you want in a robotic fencing dummy? any specific features?

what are the 3 most important functions that would separate it from the conventional stationary dummy or the golfball on a string?

Not only a golfball on a string, but also those reflectors that you stick into the ground, like in front of trees so people driving at night don't back up into the tree.* Those are fun, 'cause they bounce back instead of swinging back at you. (not that I'm personally against that method...)




*You can put them around little flower beds too, so people see the flowers & would be less likely to run over them. Not that it always stops people from running over the flowers anyway*, but I digress (sp?).




*IMHO it's more fun to run over lawn gnomes. But I've only done that with a ride-on lawn mower...

[CaptChris]

there have been several separate attempts at the above;

http://www.targetspeed.com for scoring and,
http://www.blade-fencing.com/store/item.htm?itemid=349 for the 'arm'.

[jjefferies]

Originally Posted by CaptChris

there have been several separate attempts at the above;

http://www.targetspeed.com for scoring and,
http://www.blade-fencing.com/store/item.htm?itemid=349 for the 'arm'.

Very fancy, but $300?? For under $20. You can make your own. It isn't that difficult.

[escrimeuse02]

http://www.msoe.edu/eecs/ee/seniordesign/IMG_3602.jpg

quoting from the design team:

"This robot is used as an ideal partner for practicing the sport of fencing. It allows a fencer of any skill level to complete drills that simultaneously involves footwork and swordwork, using various operational modes -- with or without arm, moving or stationary, and with a static or active target array"

how much would you be willing to pay for something like this? What if the robot can be programmed to do certain moves? Who thinks, aside from myself, that this would be a valuable asset to clubs/teams?

[oiuyt]

More about the fencing robot:

FRITO – FENCING ROBOTIC INTEGRATED TRAINING OPPONENT
Kevin Cornell, Brian Hale, Bonnie VanZile, Eric Waydick

FRITO is a technologically superior training apparatus designed to give a complete workout while practicing the sport of fencing alone. The design allows a fencer at any level of proficiency to complete drills simultaneously involving footwork and swordwork, using various operational modes: with or without presenting arm, moving or stationary, and static or active target array. The targeting system uses LEDs and piezoelectric sensors to provide indication and feedback. A microcontroller compares the addresses of the indicated target to the sensor to keep score, which is output to a display. The microcontroller also controls the movement by sending signals to an adjustable frequency motor drive, moving the apparatus forward and back to simulate an opponent stepping. FRITO’s development included mechanical layout, metal parts fabrication, motor drive analysis, parts selection, assembly programming, digital development, power supply selection, safety code research and compliance, and system integration.

-B

[OROD]

Originally Posted by escrimeuse02

http://www.msoe.edu/eecs/ee/seniordesign/IMG_3602.jpg

This would have a lot more appeal if there wasnt someone dressed like a gay pirate in the picture.

.

[Inquartata]

I find it amusing that they have named the fencing robot Frito, after the character from the Harvard Lampoon's Bored of the Rings...

[chefencer]

Originally Posted by OROD

This would have a lot more appeal if there wasnt someone dressed like a gay pirate in the picture.

.

Tsk! Lest we forget - telegenic! plus pirates are So Hip (apparently Depp was otherwise engaged)!...
Fencing obviously isn't intrinsically interesting enough, it needs Pirates (and More Cowbell)...
*apoplexy!*

[Inquartata]

They'd get much more attention with an attractive, scantily clad woman or two. Heck, just put some breasts on the dummy and you'd get more attention than the pirate geek offers.

Or even the cowbells.