The insect-type hexapod robot Attila (approximately 1.7 kg) was designed as an advanced version of Genghis. How many onboard microprocessors did Attila carry?

Introduction / Context:
Classic MIT hexapod robots—Genghis and its successor Attila—are milestones in behavior-based robotics and subsumption architecture. Attila increased sophistication with more sensors, actuators, and distributed processing. Knowing its processor count helps learners appreciate distributed control in early autonomous platforms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Attila is a six-legged (hexapod) robot around 1.6–1.7 kg in mass.
• It used numerous sensors and actuators coordinated by multiple onboard processors.
• The question asks for the specific number of onboard microprocessors.

Concept / Approach:
Attila exemplified distribution of computation: each local controller handled low-level behaviors (e.g., leg control, reflexes), while higher-level layers coordinated locomotion and navigation. The architecture favored robustness and parallelism, reducing reliance on a single central CPU.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Published technical sources on Attila report 11 onboard processors coordinating 150+ sensors and over 20 actuators, confirming the answer aligns with the historical design record.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing Attila with Genghis or other hexapods that used fewer processors; conflating sensor count with processor count; assuming a single powerful CPU rather than many simple ones.

Final Answer:
11