Leg Iterations

We have continued to make iterations of the sting-actuated fox legs.  We now have a method and will be able to efficiently manufacture the legs to the specifications of the model.  

Here are some shots of the process. 

iteration #2: plastic string actuated w/ stops

iteration #3: closed metal system

iteration #3: joint with spacers

iteration #4: minimal joint & rounded corners

iteration #4: joint

iterations #1-4

Next Steps

In the mean time
Investigate site and plan route for fox's movement

Finish leg model

Determine locomotion


After we get fox 
Take out stuffing and make frame

Get precise dimensions for leg movements

Build leg models

Insert mechanics into fox

This is the stuffed fox Size: 21.875"L x 9.75"W x 9.25"H and Price: $ 79 found at http://bigfurryfriends.com/woodland/id64.htm

Information about red foxes specifically the length. Head + Body = 18- 33 in. Tail= 12- 21 in.

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/red-fox/

Meditations on fur and movement.

Biomechanics journals:

http://www.epodiatry.com/resource/biomechanics-journals.htm

Canine movement clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5GvEmn_wB4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=6uB2a2K6HGI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vpe8vhvwNo

Fuzzy-wuzzies:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hansa-15-75-Red-Fox-Plush-Stuffed-Animal-Toy-/160623621517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2565e9f58d#ht_1047wt_907

http://www.stuffedsafari.com/Lifelike-17-Inch-Plush-Red-Fox-By-SOS-p/ss-050216.htm

Structure

Front Leg Movement

Figuring it out

The two positions

Position I (no tension, leg extended to ground)

Position II (leg lifted, string taught)

Some Relevant Articles

The role of differential reinforcement in predator avoidance learning

1. Griffin, Andrea S., and Christopher S. Evans. "The role of differential reinforcement in predator avoidance learning." Behavioural Processes 61.1-2 (2003): 87-94. PsycINFO. EBSCO. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

2,3,5-Trimethyl-3-thiazoline (TMT), a component of fox odor--Just repugnant or really fear-inducing?

2. Fendt, Markus, and Thomas Endres. "2,3,5-Trimethyl-3-thiazoline (TMT), a component of fox odor--Just repugnant or really fear-inducing?." Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 32.7 (2008): 1259-1266. PsycINFO. EBSCO. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Look before you leap: Is risk of injury a foraging cost?

3. Joel S. Brown, et al. "Look before you leap: Is risk of injury a foraging cost?." Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 63.12 (2009): 1821-1827. PsycINFO. EBSCO. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Activity patterns of urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) reduce the risk of traffic-induced mortality

4. Stephen Harris, et al. "Activity patterns of urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) reduce the risk of traffic-induced mortality." Behavioral Ecology 18.4 (2007): 716-724. PsycINFO. EBSCO. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Radio-tracking study of foxes' movements related to their home range: A cognitive map hypothesis

5. Fabrigoule, C., and D. Maurel. "Radio-tracking study of foxes' movements related to their home range: A cognitive map hypothesis." The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology B: Comparative and Physiological Psychology 34B.4 (1982): 195-208. PsycINFO. EBSCO. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Ontogeny of prey-killing behavior in Canidae.

6. Fox, M. W. "Ontogeny of prey-killing behavior in Canidae." Behaviour 35.3-4 (1969): 259-272. PsycINFO. EBSCO. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Really Real Trained Foxes (ideal? probably.)

a japanese woman has trained this fennec (vulpes zerda) to respond to complex verbal commands, similar to other familiar canidea like the domestic dog.  

training a red fox to chase, grab, sneak up on, or chomp potential prey would be the best way to induce a natural defense response in the animal. 

Death Feigning By Ducks

Check out this sweet article about foxes scaring ducks to (fake their) death.

Article (probably only accessible on Hampshire Campus)

We'll take four

Movement

yum.

...and let the foxhunt begin!

This semester we will be designing and fabricating a foxbot.
Once made, we will scare chickens, squirrels, friends, and family.

We are:
Derek Haley (dmh10)
Peter Modest (pom08)
Jonah Seigel-Warren (jls10)
Matt Bemis (mhb10)