‘ROBOSAURUS’, Action Robo LLC, California, USA.
The fearsome sight of this giant robot dinosaur tearing into junk cars and snorting gouts of flame might be familiar to a fair number of people, but what some folks might not realize is that the infamous Robosaurus is actually piloted, from a cockpit near the back of its head. Being mobile, piloted, possessing arms, and being a showcase engine of destruction, this machine qualifies as a Mech!
Originally conceptualized in 1989 by aeronautical engineer and vehicle inventor Doug Malewicki, the Robosaurus took 18 months and $2.2 million to finish. The completed robot is powered by a 500 horsepower turbo diesel engine and four hydraulic pump systems for the claws alone, enabling it to pick up enormous loads and exert tremendous force. The snout possesses dual flamethrowers connected to 20-gallon propane tanks, as well as air cannons for launching confetti and fireworks. It is capable of moving its entire upper torso, head, and arms up and down, able to reach a maximum height of around 42 feet, and its spread legs give it a width of 28 feet total. Weighing in at 30 tons, this is by no means a lightweight in any arena. It is also capable of folding itself up into a 48-foot-long trailer-sized package that can then be towed by a semi truck to its next destination.
The Robosaurus drives itself along on wheels, with a rotating wheel base at the back allowing it to perform surprisingly sharp turns. Strapped floor pedals in the pilot’s seat control its wheel movements similarly to a tank, raising and lowering each pedal dictating forward and backward movement of each side. Controls for the arms were inspired by Science Fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein’s concept of a ‘WALDO’ harness, with cuffs for the pilot’s arms being pulled or pushed dictating the movements of the mech’s own arms. Movements of the fingers too dictate other functions of the robot, such as the opening and closing of its claws and the up/down motions of the torso and head. Only the index finger is free to push buttons and switches on a nearby panel.
Ever since its creation, the Robosaurus has gone on to perform at multiple motor shows around the nation, be it monster truck rallies, demolition derbies, major cup races, air shows, or automobile auctions. It has even made multiple appearances on TV, including at least one pilot movie as the central character! The machine itself was actually sold once in 2008, on famous automotive auction organization Barret Jackson, where it was bought for $575,000 USD. Since then, it has been owned and managed by Brooke Dunn, and piloted by Mark Hayes, under the Action Robo LLC label. In addition, Robosaurus has inspired many an imitator or spinoff machine, some of which we may cover later on this site.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
After two decades, Robosaurus is still in operation and is showing no signs of slowing down, making shows all over the nation, even making appearances internationally. When not on the road, it’s assumed it is held at Action Robo LLC’s headquarters in Fallbrook, California. Beyond that, one can check its own website which always lists where and when its next scheduled appearance is going to be!
This article will be updated if more information becomes available.
Videos of the Robosaurus in action.
References:
Los Angeles Times, ‘Irvine Inventor Finds Inspiration in the Bizarre, Extreme’, circa Feb 3, 1990. http://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-03/news/li-1087_1_doug-malewicki
Jalopnik, ‘Barrett-Jackson: Robosaurus, Sells For $575,000, Promises Not To Eat Your Collector Cars’, circa Jan 19, 2008. https://jalopnik.com/346929/barrett-jackson-robosaurus-sells-for-575000-promises-not-to-eat-your-collector-cars
HHN Unofficial, ‘ Robosaurus is still Roaring!’, Jan 10, 2016. https://hhnunofficial.com/2016/01/10/robosaurus-is-still-roaring/
Robosaurus Main Website, est 2011. http://www.robosaurus.com/