Ankabūt (العنكبوت)

Designation: Al-Ankabūt (“the spider”). Type: Arachnid-form construction robot: Mass: 6 tonne Size: 2 meters collapsed, 4 meter reach extended. Material: Titanium alloy metal and carbon-fiber.

Overview

Ankabūt is an eight-legged caretaker/transport robot and constant guardian for an elderly surface engineer (“Grandfather”, see Janer-yuftri). Roughly six tonnes, it developed a strong caretaker imprint over decades of service with Grandfather. When Grandfather retired, the robot refused to leave and continued to protect him at all times.

Form and carriage

• Locomotion: Eight legs; capable of widening its stance, bracing, and scrambling on steep, broken terrain and switchbacks. It could carry two passengers while walking on its back four legs.
• Passenger system: A basket-like chair (woven Poatag fiber) suspended between the second pair of legs for Grandfather.
• Solar shade: The front pair of legs held a red sun-shield (same Poatag fiber) to protect Grandfather; the robot could deploy the cloth dynamically, including catching Janer in flight while maintaining shade over Grandfather.

Intelligence

Multiple events indicate that the programming of Ankabūt was capable of surprisingly intelligent and even emergent behavior:

• Multiple concurrent 4-dimensional speed, mass, and traction calculations. Managed to save Grandfather's life by cushioning him during massive fall.
• Improvised indication of on-board first-aid in an emergency, even when damaged.
• Returning a meal to Janer when he tried to leave two with Grandfather; seems to indicate understanding of long-term planning and logistics.
• Consistent protective behavior: Though non-verbal, its actions are interpreted as purposeful and caring.

Onboard equipment and signaling

• First-aid stowage: A strapped first-aid kit on the carapace containing an emergency vitals pod, compressive bandage, light, and survival items.
• Utility pouch: Deployed a pouch with water bag, three meal packs, a cryo-tent, and a chemical cooling pack.
• Signaling Systems: Built-in radio communication unit. Front-leg lights for local signaling. Equipped with speakers but only exhibited limited sound-generation range.

Camp context

Supervisors complained that Ankabut “wasn’t contributing to the construction efforts,” but no action was taken; its unwavering care for Grandfather made interference both impractical and unwise. In daily practice it stood guard, ferried Grandfather, and supported routine movement between the ridge and gorge camp.