Monster dinosaur skeleton brought to life in computer simulation

[Judi Lynn]

Monster dinosaur skeleton brought to life in computer simulation

Scientists use laser-scanning and AI software to animate the biggest animal ever to walk the Earth

Press Association
theguardian.com, Wednesday 30 October 2013 13.21 EDT

[font size=1]
Computer simulation of the Argentinosaurus skeleton at the Carmen Funes museum in Plaza Huincul,
Argentina. Video: University of Manchester [/font]

Giant steps taken by the biggest dinosaur that ever strode the Earth have been reconstructed by scientists. Argentinosaurus, from South America, was able to walk and run for the first time in more than 94m years – in virtual reality.

Its movements were modelled by experts from the University of Manchester who used a laser to scan a 40-metre-long skeleton of the 80-tonne beast in an Argentine museum.

Argentinosaurus was a plant-eater that stood as tall as a three-storey building and was 38 metres (125 feet) in length. When it was alive, the Andes were mere hillocks and arid North Patagonia consisted of steamy jungle and grassland.

The simulation used artificially intelligent software and processing power equivalent to 30,000 desktop computers.

More:
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/oct/30/dinosaur-skeleton-simulation

[NoOneMan]

1. Looks like an animation from the 80s

[PoliticAverse]

2. Just in time for Halloween!... n/t

[Tyrs WolfDaemon]

3. The next animation will hopefully include

the saddle and giant Ancient Alien riding on its back. They could even do a 'bucking bronco' version.