Finally, a hexapod tank for taking down Big Dog

Inventor Matt Denton has built a fully operational hexapod robot that you can get in and drive around.

We've decided: cars are bollocks. Who needs cars? Matt Denton's Mantis hexapod robot is the way of the future.

Denton, an animatronics and special effects designer whose portfolio includes Prometheus and Lost in Space with company Micromagic Systems, has an interest in hexapods that goes way back. Over the years, he has built a few miniature hexapods at Micromagic.

Mantis is his first giant-sized model, the result of four years of research, development, design and building, and is, Denton claims, the biggest operational hexapod in the world. The thing comes in at 2.8 metres tall, weighing 1900 kilograms. It's powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and is designed to take on any terrain.

Mantis can be remote controlled via Wi-Fi, but why would you want to do that when you can climb into the cockpit and pilot it first-hand? Admittedly, it moves a little slowly, and probably couldn't actually take on Big Dog (especially if there are any cinder blocks nearby), but it's early days for pilotable hexapod tanks.

According to the Mantis website, the hexapod is available for private hire, custom commissions, events and sponsorship. Like Stompy, the Kickstarter hexapod robot, Mantis is not intended for general sale.

Nevertheless, we're eagerly awaiting the day when we can drive one of these babies to work.

You can find out more about Mantis on the Mantis Facebook page and website — and see it in action in the video below.

Via www.gizmag.com