La Ménagerie technologique

Welcome to our Techno Menagerie, a collection of rare circus animals. Not wild beasts in cages, as you can see, but metallic marvels and former industrial robots transformed into circus attractions. Explore our Menagerie and you’ll see every different kind of industrial robot in existence!

The Techno Menagerie was created by the Cachan university technology institute (IUT), in co-operation with its industrial robotics program. The goal is to attract young people to science and technology and introduce visitors to modern-day robotics.

Schedule
Open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

CONSTRUCTOR
Put together a team with your friends and see if you can beat our biggest robot when it comes to building a house. Constructor is a world-class architect. Does he have any weak points? It’s up to you to find out!

Features
Former job: Attaching plastic parts in the automotive industry
Actual age: 3
Human age: 18
Favourite music: Original Rocky soundtrack
Strength: Long arms!
Weaknesses: Competitive and a loner

FOOSBALL
It may look like a mechanical arm, but this is a real robot. Its ultra-accurate vision means it can track anything that moves. Try to score a goal, but watch out – it has a powerful shot!

Features
Former job: Building vacuum cleaners
Actual age: 18
Human age: 45
Favourite music: I Will Survive
Strength: Speedy for its age
Weakness: Short arm (1-metre reach)

ARTIST
Make a drawing, and this lovely artist with its golden skin and slender body will copy it onto a cup. A great personalized souvenir!

Features
Former job: Assembly and painting in the automotive industry
Actual age: 14
Human age: 34
Favourite music: Hip Hop
Strength: Accuracy (repeatability < 0.1mm)
Weakness: Introverted (reach < 90cm)

ROBOT Barman
Now that you’ve worked up a thirst, meet our Robot Barman. He can serve 1,200 drinks a day! Here’s a tip: look at him nicely and he’ll serve you first.

Features
Nationality: Canadian
Former job: Pharmacist
Actual age: 20
Human age: 50-55
Favourite music: Tango
Strength: Very mobile (5.5 m)
Weakness: Doesn’t talk much

GRANDPA
The old man of robotics. He spends his days entertaining children. Listen as his venerable workings tell tales about his past. Don’t worry, he’s safe to touch and handle. You’re holding over 40 years of history!

Features
Former job: Atomic Energy Centre – Working in hazardous sites
Actual age: 44
Human age: 90
Favourite music: Waltz
Strength: Good listener
Weakness: rheumatism

HORSE
This industrial robot done up as a horse is a big fan of Western movies. Ready for a ride? Hop on! You can walk, trot, gallop... yee-ha!

Features
Former job: Installing doors in the automotive industry
Actual age: 20
Human age: 50
Favourite music: Film soundtracks
Strength: Very powerful
Weakness: Drinks a bit too much ... oil

POOL PLAYER
Who hasn’t dreamt of being a champion pool player? This advanced vision system can help you take on the greatest players and line up your shots like a real shark! With its high-resolution camera, our robot pool player will give you some tips. You’ll be amazed at the unlikely shots you can make!

VISITY
Visity, our explorer or companion robot, is fully equipped mobile autonomous robot. Using its videocameras and sensors, you can tour the Menagerie without leaving your seat. Steer it around and discover the unknown ... just like an astronaut!

Features
Former job: None! Built using the latest technology
Actual age: 1
Human age: 5
Favourite music: Star Wars
Strength: Highly mobile, many eyes
Weakness: A bit reckless

F1BOTS
Half Formula 1, half prototype, these mobile robots are as fast as lightning. Go head-to-head with these speedsters on our winding course. At the controls of your roadster, throw roadblocks in the way of your automated adversary, keep your eye on the track and drive your very best – you could win the Champions Cup.

Features
Current state: Laboratory specimen, usually kept in a cage
Actual age: 1
Human age: 5
Favourite music: Mission Impossible
Strength: Velocity, speed
Weakness: Predatory and omnivorous

CHESS PLAYER
Pit your powers of concentration against this grand master. Chess is its only passion. After a few years of study, this robot became a great player. Prepare yourself mentally. It has already moved its first piece. It’s your turn. Are you up to the challenge?

Features
Former job: Electronics technician
Actual age: 15
Human age: 50
Favourite celebrity: Garry Kasparov
Strength: Precise, crafty
Weakness: Introverted