Chapter 146: The first prototype (1/2)

Chapter 146: The first prototype

Translated by me, edited by drpetro.

The automated drill bit exchange system!

A CNC machine had no way to finish some complex component with just one single drill bit.

Generally, the more milling options available to a machine, the more drill bits it had.

Those drill bits that were of all shapes and sizes naturally needed to be kept in a specialized storage area. When the need arose to exchange bits, the storage would rotate automatically, so that when the machine released its current bit, the bit would fall into an awaiting claw which would place it back into storage and the new bit would be inserted in and secured.

The automated tools exchange system for the Mechanical Colossus Ye Qing designed worked on the same principle, as in the forefront of the arms was an automatic securing system and hydraulic connectors.

The Mechanical Colossus came with a built-in toolbox in the back, so when the need arose to change tools, it was as simple as turn, place, release, pick up, and secure.

As for how to nimbly control the two mechanical arms, that was another technical problem.

However, that problem could be easily solved, since there was no way the black tech ‘Artificial Mechanical Arms’ came with no control system.

Above the working platform was the cockpit. Inside of it were two support beam like control sticks. The pilot could place their arms into the control sticks and, with the support of the arms movement system, the mechanical arms outside would be able to perfectly mimic the wanted movements of the pilot.

This had already left the realm of conventional cockpit designs, and rather looked more like the cockpit of a Gundam.

To prevent misuse, a controls button was installed inside, such that it must be pressed at all times during operations, otherwise no commands would be received by the pair of mechanical arms.

This type of control system was just a Gundam without its armour and armaments. However, there was an obvious shortfall in this design: the control system just weighed too damn much. A regular person probably couldn’t even last 10 minutes in the cockpit before they wouldn’t be able to even lift their arms. However, that was a problem that Ye Qing would only tackle when the prototype was completed and tested.

So, for now, only the peons were able to operate this machine effectively for any sustained period of time.

The base was much simpler to construct, as all that was needed was to install and connect a readily available diesel powered generator with a geared transmission system. Taking into account the need to climb hills and cross ditches, the base was designed to be 4×4 and used the large double tires of those large wheel loaders.

When the work platform was completely installed and connected to the base, Ye Qing, with his laptop in hand, climbed into the cockpit of the prototype with much anticipation.

This prototype came in at a height of 5 meters, and had an arm length of 10 meters.

With the arms retracted, it just so happened to be level with the cockpit, so it was able to act as a temporary shield for the pilot. In addition, no matter how the arm was moved, there was no way for it to touch the cockpit because it was locked out by the control system to prevent newbies from seriously damaging the cockpit.

The inside was completely barren with no such thing as comfort. As soon as Ye Qing climbed in, he was immediately hit with a suffocating wave of heat.

“Need an AC unit!” Ye Qing called out as he jotted it down.

The chair was currently just a piece of welded metal, which needed to be replaced with high-end electric tuned racing chairs.

With the mechanical arms retracted, although it could protect the cockpit, it limited the field of view of both sides, so there was a need for additional side mirrors. A rear view mirror was also required when backing.

Pressing the start button, the 300 KW diesel engine roared to life from below him.

The controls were super simple, only two gears, forward and backward. The braking system employed the most common braking system to date, and just like an automated car, one brake pedal and one gas pedal.

Ye Qing had the peons open the main gates and thundered the Colossus out into the yard.