Robonova vs others

[dreja]

Hello,

I've been admiring humanoids for some years now.
As I'm looking to purchase a humanoid (and Robonova is on priority list), I would like to know, if you agree with my opinion about Robonova.

I like Robonova, because it is widely used in Europe and US, also the price is nice. But I have some concerns about its movements.

It is difficult to explain my concern, but from the videos seen (cart wheel, front loop, martial arts, ...) I'm afraid, that Robonova does not have so "stylish" movements as other robots do.
In other words it sems to have acceptable movements, but only when the movements are slow. As the movements become fast, they loose the style and smoothnes and they become rough, rigid.

If I watch the other robots performing similar actions (KHR-1, Robovie X Lite,...), they have both fast and still very refined, smooth movements.

It is like comparing a bear and a puma in run. They are both able to run, but bear is rigid, clumsy and cumbersome. On the other hand puma has a lovely refined style and its real pleasure to watch her running.

Here are some videos, you have probably already seen them. I post them just to know the comparison...
Robonova martial arts from Bauer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWCubn20 ... 0&index=40
Robovie X Lite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6DUEyuZtg
Khr-1 does karate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYEKQUF ... 7&index=38

So I'd like to know your opinion. Please note, that I didn't see any humanoid in reality, I made my thinking just from videos...

Thanks and best regards
Andrej

[RoboFlop]

I'm a Bioloid fan myself, you could always ask UncleBob if he would sell you a Knight Templar if its martial arts you like...

http://www.youtube.com/user/robertlam18#p/u/8/NlbxTZZeYiM

[UncleBob]

The attributes you mention e.g. what action it can do and how fast it can do it is largely depends on the strength and speed of the servos it has.

If the servos is fast then it will not be clumsy. If the servo is strong then it can support the weight of the robot then it won't fall down when it walk etc.

The design of the robot itself is important but most robots are design nicely. So when you choose a robot, you should compare the spec of the servos; speed and strength.

Then finally you check the control board to see if the software is easy to program etc. This differs if the servos have feedback control or not. The new ones should have feedback e.g. the robotis one and the KHR3 one. You also want to see if the servos work in daisy chain e.g. using bus protocol. The old KHR2 ones do not and so wiring and programming will be less intuitive.

Hope that helps.

[i-Bot]

The KHR1/2 and the Robonova do have feedback control over their PWM servo interface for catch and play programming.

Considering the KHR design is from 2004 it still shows an outstanding level of style and movement compared to other stock robots. The Robonova was something of a commercial compromise in comparison. The Bioloid suffers from its "erector set" roots.

The down side of the KHR and derivatives has always been the poor english language support and availability in the West.

The KHR has always appealed to roboteers with a keen eye for design and movement. Looks like you may be one of those, and you might well be dissapointed with a Robonova. I have not seen such good moves on the KHR3, despite the better electronics and servos. Maybe you should check out some Japanese sites and videos to find out more.

[Kelpy]

The Bioloid suffers from its "erector set" roots.

Hi i-Bot.
I "secretly" know that I have a Bioloid Premium coming for Christmas, and wondered if you would expand on that comment for me please?

[i-Bot]

The KHR and Robonova kits only build a humanoid. The Bioloid kit can build a number of different robotss. This means the Bioloid parts have a lot of spare plastic and spare holes to provide this flexibility of construction.
The premium shows a move towards more humanoid specific parts.

Don't worry, your secret is safe with us on the xmas present:wink: