Super-Strength Cyborg Penguins

Posted by Miss Cellania in Science & Tech on September 17, 2008 at 6:51 pm


Military researchers have been hard at work developing mechanical suits that provide protection, strength, and endurance. A team at the University of West Florida’s Institute for Human and Machine Cognition is also working on an undersea version that will give the wearer all the advantages of a penguin.

The team’s concept is known as Performance Improving Self Contained Exoskeleton for Swimming (”PISCES”). They have looked at various bio-inspired systems that are based on animal propulsion, and borrowed design features from dolphins, sea turtles and, yes, penguins. They can’t turn you into Michael Phelps, but they can certainly make a big difference improve speed and endurance.

The lower body of the suit works like normal swim fins with a power boost. The upper body design mimics the movements of a penguin -which is not natural for humans. They’re still working on the details. Link

Previous post
this post? Please email this            
Next post

FROM THE NEATORAMA ONLINE STORE » more



COMMENT

7 comments to "Super-Strength Cyborg Penguins"

  1. Andrew91
    September 17th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

    You kidding? A person with that could totally beat Phelps.

    He swims at a brisk walking speed people.

  2. Geekazoid
    September 17th, 2008 at 8:34 pm

    Let’s hope it ‘naturally’ floats, I’d be too scared as to it malfunctioning.

  3. Reverend Mike
    September 17th, 2008 at 11:44 pm

    I almost went to that school…

    *sigh*…but I decided to take out college loans instead…

  4. Senior Taco
    September 18th, 2008 at 12:07 am

    Sure but the divers still taste like chicken.

  5. SD1
    September 18th, 2008 at 12:49 am

    Bait.

  6. OddNumber
    September 19th, 2008 at 9:18 am

    I hope they stay out water frequented by Great White Sharks! Actually, I feel like it could make for a great special on Shark Week, “Robo-Seal v. Jaws”. (Robo-Penguin just doesn’t flow off the tongue.

  7. Thomas
    September 19th, 2008 at 11:46 am

    I for one welcome our new cyborg-penguin overlords.


PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT

Neatorama Comment Policy
You don't have to register or login to comment, but it's easier if you do so. Comments aren't censored, but those that are abusive or off-topic may be edited or deleted.


Stay updated on the comments with Comment RSS