As an example for the robotic devices I built over the last years (e.g. for the experimental setup of my research, exhibits for trade fairs, etc.), I will show a mechanical walking robot that I made several years ago. It is inspired by the creatures of Theo Jansen. My robot was also exhibited in Tokyo /Japan in the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan). By the way, this is what Theo Jansen himself said in 2007 about my robot: 'Of all the walking mechanisms, yours really impressed me most. I like the way they are able to make sharp turns. [...] You are an artist. Wonderful pictures.'

Up to now, I was always using ATMELs ATmega and ATxmega microcontrollers. These are programmed in BASCOM-AVR, a very effective and fast programming language. Graphical user interfaces on computers that communicate and interact with the robots are typically programmed in VB.NET.

I am absolutely convinced by microcontrollers and their abilities. It seems like everything one could ever imagine can be realized with these little marvels.

This mechanical walking robot is built from "Dibond", a composite material consisting of aluminium sheets and a polyethylene core.

 
The control unit of the robot is relatively simple. It consists of a ATmega, a motor driver and a wireless serial link. The robot is controlled with a joystick from a laptop.

 
A video showing the walking capabilities of the robot.

 
Although this kind of locomotion has no advantage over traditional wheeled robots, it just looks awesome in motion.

 
Electroluminescent wires underline the organic look of the robot.

 
My robot at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo, Japan, 2011.