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Old 03-02-2004, 04:16 PM   #5
glatt
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 27,717
Neat idea in theory, but in practice it's got to be a bitch.

Computer controlled robots are great at pecision work done to strict tolerances. Pumpins, on the other hand, grow in the dirt to very organic shapes. They are not produced to exact tolerances.

You would have to re-program the computer for each pumkin's unique shape to take full advantage of the "skills" the robot has to offer. This is an example of how the old fashioned way is far superior to the new approach.

The only work-around would be to have some sort of feedback for the robot. A three dimensional scanning of each pumkin to map its surface and then plot a facial design that could fit on that surface.

Also, they need a prettier way to mount the pumkin to the work table.
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