This monstrous piece of work belongs to Micromagic Systems Company, led by Matt Denton, which specializes in animatronics for the film and television industry.
The “Mantis”, as they named it, is the biggest hexapod robot in the world that can accommodate a human driver. It weighs 1,900 kg (4,188 lbs), measures 2.8 meters (9.18 ft) tall and it's powered by a 2.2-liter diesel Perkins engine that puts the hydraulic mechanisms in motion.
The 18 hydraulic actuators that moves the legs are controlled by a Linux PC running a HexEngine software. Also, the machine is fitted with a series of sensors to help it walk, reaching a top speed of 1 km/h (0.62 mph). Denton believes that with proper funding, the Mantis could go twice or three times faster.
It’s creator said that the robot was made just too see how and which people react to such an oddity. For now, the hexapod is available for hiring, custom commissions, events and sponsorships.
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