Theo Jansen

I know this video has been around for a number of years, and I saw it when it first came out, but as I've only just set up a blog, I figured now was a good time to write about it. The long and short of it - this man is an engineering genius. He has managed to create a number of what he refers to as 'Kinetic Sculptures' which rely solely on bio-mimicry, wind-power and a profound understanding of some exceptional engineering designs and techniques. At first glance you may think "that's pretty impressive, but couldn't any engineer with enough spare time and the right materials do that?", but as he explains his creations in further and further depth, and demonstrates how he gave his 'animaris' brains which can not only keep track of where they are on the beach, but also stop themselves from walking off the beach or into the see, you begin to recognise just how remarkable this man's brain really is. In Sept 2007 [when this video was first released] these creatures weren't perfect, but were still almost entirely self-sustaining. Imagine how much more advanced and potentially independent they may be now.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/theo_jansen_creates_new_creatures.html

Well done, sir. I tip my cap to you.