Australian Kris Tressider Builds Robot That Punches You

Science fiction writers have long imagined the day when robots will rise up and attack humans. It's safe to say that none of them pictured it looking anything like this.

An Australian draftsman has constructed a robotic boxing buddy, called Punching Pro, that uses two arms powered by 12-volt windshield-wiper motors to throw blows at its human sparring partners.

"This is an automated sparring apparatus that is heaps of fun; it looks and feels like you're challenging a real fighter," Punching Pro inventor Kris Tressider wrote on his website.

Even though the robot is made from parts that include steel and golf cart wheels, Tressider says its arms closely replicate human punching mechanics. That means it offers boxers a great opportunity to practice their combinations -- and their bobbing and weaving -- without having to face another fighter in the ring.

"You can experiment with offensive strategies, defensive positions and counter punching moves, whilst being physically trained to stay agile and keep your guard," he wrote. "You get an extreme upper body workout that will improve your technique."

Tressider got interested in boxing as a means of keeping fit, but he got bored with slugging the punching bag he had hung outside his home, according to Australian TV show "The New Inventors."

So he decided to build a punching bag that punches back.

The result is a fighting robot that is highly customizable. Depending on a boxer's height and weight class, fighters can make the android taller or shorter before sparring.

Users can also adjust the Punching Pro's strength, speed and agility -- and with an additional motor they can train the bot to throw different kinds of punches, such as hooks and jabs.

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Punching Pro can take a pounding, thanks to its cushioned torso and spring-loaded neck.

"I have made recent modifications to the drive system to make the arms a lot more flexible and able to take a lot more punishment," Tressider told Gizmag. "The next step is to start working on the software side of things so that it can change modes automatically."

Tressider is seeking investors interested in helping him transform his robot from a contender into a champ. He hopes to sell the finished product for less than $1,000.

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