Watch This Solar Chariot Walk Like a Human

Bob Schneeveis is on a mission to save the world from itself through the creation of sustainable solar vehicles. He has been building walking chariots and other unique conveyances since a knee injury got him interested in the structure of the knee and the mechanics of walking.

For over 30 years, Bob has worked at the Stanford University Neurobiology department, fabricating equipment for research and experimentation. He turned his skills to the creation of a model of his own knee, which led to the development of his first walking chariot, a humanoid walking machine pulling a cart made to study how humans walk.

Bob has brought his creations to Maker Faire before, and the aesthetics of the chariot have been updated for 2015. In addition to the chariot, Bob is bringing a six-legged electric pony named ‘Thunder Thief’ as a companion; this will be the pony’s public debut. An electric bicycle, also built by Bob, will be on display as well.

Bob and his creations will be wandering around the faire, drawing fascinated groups of children and adults wherever he goes. He hopes to educate people on the wide range of applications for solar charging and walking machines. Check out this footage from the 2011 Maker Faire Bay Area for a peek at one of Bob’s charming and energy efficient inventions.