gingerbreadmann Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 In Philadelphia's ongoing citywide efforts to replace Joe Blanton at the end of the Phillies' otherwise dominant rotation, the "PhillieBot," a robot with a lifelike throwing motion built by UPenn students, was deemed "almost there" by pitching coach Rich Dubee just one pitch into its tryout. "Joe can miss all over the place, not just in the dirt," said Dubee.Manager Charlie Manuel, though, sounded hard-pressed to find separation between the "massive, super expensive fancy gizmo" and the PhillieBot: "I couldn't see the difference. Put a uniform on that machine, and I couldn't see the difference." Judging by their harsh reaction to the pitch, the fans couldn't see one either."And at least that robot won't steal my Wendy's in the locker room."No word on whether the PhillieBot will be offered a contract. Next up: recently-retired Hall of Famer Jim Bunning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJTank Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 It throws better than Bobby Parnell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothamite Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Girl robot?Dude. Not cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Boy Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 a robot with a lifelike throwing motionI heard that phrase used in another story about Philliebot. That throwing motion is more reminiscent of Super Jock than any human. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DelayedPenalty Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Girl robot?Dude. Not cool.Maybe we can change that old phrase, "Dude, you throw like a robot!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothamite Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 That one might be more accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcgd Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 this thing has made zero sense to me since I've heard about it. I'm sure they've seen one of these before:Or this:Or these:If I'm missing something please let me know. But put a Phillies hat on any of these on a RC go cart and you've essentially got the same thing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sport Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 ^ I thought the same thing. They have had baseball throwing robots for forever and they cost a dollar for ten pitches at the local go-kart track. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missouri tigers Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I like this baseball throwing robot better.It seems a little more complicated than just a lame catapult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBTV Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 It's just a college project by engineering students trying to develop robots who can do more human like movements (though I'd agree that the catapult thing doesn't really seem to accomplish that.) It's not actually designed to replace a pitching machine. Just a science project. They brought it out because it's Science Month here and there's different exhibits and seminars happening all over the city.If they wanted to really impress me though, they'd have designed the robot to actually kill Joe Blanton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameroncrazie07 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 I love the Phanatic after he throws the pitch calling the bullpen at like 50 seconds. I laughed at that more than I did the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJTank Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 At least the robot did better than Carl Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rams80 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 If they wanted to really impress me though, they'd have designed the robot to actually kill Joe Blanton.Wait until batting practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameroncrazie07 Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 Take this robot, Carl Lewis, Mariah Carey, and that mayor from Cincinnati and you've got one hell of a staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HedleyLamarr Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 I like the fact that the robot was getting booed afterwards.I like Philadelphia sports fans. They amuse me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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