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October 14, 2007 9:04 AM PDT

Car-crushing, fire-breathing robot for sale

Posted by Laura Burstein
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Robosaurus crushes a car.

(Credit: Universal Studios)

The annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., is usually a place where car collectors and enthusiasts gather to admire scores of vintage Jaguars, Mercedes, Cadillacs and other fine specimens of automobiles made in years past.

Those types of cars will still be there when the event rolls around again in January, but there will be one rather disturbing lot that's bound to steal the show: a 40-foot-high, 31-ton mechanical dinosaur that throws 20-foot flames from its nostrils.

The Robosaurus, created 17 years ago by Monster Robots in Southern California, will be sold with no minimum price during the auction, which takes place January 12 to 20. The machine, which is controlled by a pilot who sits in a cockpit inside the dinosaur's head, comes complete with stainless steel teeth that can rip into and twist metal with 20,000 pounds of crushing force.

Not to be a party pooper, but does the idea of auctioning this thing off to the public trouble anyone? Little old ladies are getting their value-size bottles of perfume confiscated at the airport, while any schmuck with a bunch of money can buy a deadly machine that could take out an entire city block. How does that make sense?

Laura Burstein is a freelance automotive and technology journalist, covering news and events ranging from auto shows to Formula One races. She is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 2 comments
This just happens to be pre-made...
by mrmark93 October 14, 2007 1:26 PM PDT
There was nothing preventing the builders of this 'robot'...so any other entity with enough money could build same or even more destructive robot. I understand your concerns, but if a rich person wants to do harm, time is really the only variable. This particular robot has gotten a work out at monster truck rally's and other events where thousands of kids have been entertained by it...I hope the new owner continues on in the legacy!

-Mark
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the Komatsu D575A would do a better job
by jogiba October 15, 2007 4:47 PM PDT
Not to be a party pooper, but get a clue this is not something that will be for sale at Best Buy or any other store. If you want to take out a city block get a Komatsu D575A dozer, it will do a much better job.
http://www.album-mmt.it/data/media/127/d575_10.jpg
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About Girl on Cars

Laura Burstein is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. She covers car news and events ranging from auto shows to Formula One races. Laura is a member of the Motor Press Guild and the BMW Car Club of America.

She is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET.

Disclosure.

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