Method-1 Makes Impressive Debut as the Future’s Giant, Walking Robot
This 4 meter tall robot could be the small-scale Iron Giant we’ve always wanted. Future Technology, a company based in Seoul South Korea, has begun testing their 4 m tall, 1.5 ton manned robot dubbed “Method-1”. Method-1 bears a striking resemblance to Avatar’s MK-6 Amplified Mobility Platform which amplifies the user’s articulation. Unlike MK6, the Method-1 is not equipped with heavy artillery. No word yet as to whether it will have military applications.
The bipedal robot managed to perform an extended gait which even for smaller scale robotics is quite impressive. The controller circuit has to continuously adjust the center of gravity much like a human does when walking. However, Method-1 has to do so with over a ton of hardware.
The human machine interface is a cockpit, housing with what appears to be a exoskeletal potentiometer system that mimics the user’s arm motion. This in turn raises and lowers the robots giant arms.
Method-1 is also not the first time movie tech has been brought to life. One example is the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) which is an exoskeleton similar to the one that Tom Cruise wears in the movie Edge of Tomorrow.
Exoskeleton uses lie in military and industrial applications. The robot provides an extension of the user that allows for the lifting of heavy or large objects. It also provides a medium between the operator and the potentially hazardous payload. The use of a robot as a human extension also plays a role in the mining industry as well as security and bomb disposal.
According to a Facebook post by Vitaly Bulgarov, the 3D modelling designer on the project:
“It was quite an ambitious project that required developing and enhancing a lot of technologies along the way.”
Vitaly Bulgarov has worked with conceptual design and 3D modelling on a number of films such as Transformers, Robocop and Terminator. He also worked for some big picture film industries such as Dreamworks, Blizzard Entertainment and LucasFilm Industries. Now it is clear where Method-1’s roots lie.
