Posted on 02/28/2017 7:23:43 AM PST by RoosterRedux
Google-owned robotics firm and nightmare factory Boston Dynamics has released video of its latest creation: a two-wheeled, four-legged hybrid robot named Handle.
The robot can stand on four legs, like Boston Dynamics previous creations such as BigDog and Spot. But at the end of its back two legs are two stabilised wheels, which let it stand up vertically and roll around at speeds of up to nine miles per hour. Think Terminator riding on a hoverboard and youll have a pretty good idea of the impression Handle gives off.
Boston Dynamics says the reason for the hybrid design is the simplicity it affords: rather than needing the complex joints of the fully-quadrupedal bots, Handles wheels can speed it around with little difficulty, while its front legs can be used for balance and for carrying loads of up to 50kg.
Handle uses many of the same dynamics, balance and mobile manipulation principles found in the quadruped and biped robots we build, Boston Dynamics said, but with only about 10 actuated joints, it is significantly less complex. Wheels are efficient on flat surfaces while legs can go almost anywhere: by combining wheels and legs, Handle can have the best of both worlds. The video does not, however, show Handle walking rather that scooting around on its wheels.
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
I will see what I can find as to the connection of the name for the Smith family.
In the meantime, I have a headache, and I want to go to bed. I don’t look forward to tomorrow, but I will get through it.
So thanks once again, and I’ll see you in the morning!
I hope you have a good night and that tomorrow goes better than expected. We may have more rain!
Such young men would be terrified of my daughters.
“Hey, you! Ya mess with him, ya messin’ with me, got it?”
It’s a Japanese Dipstick.
The lower hole is the ‘add oil’ hole and the top hole is the ‘I’m full’ hole.. ;-)
As to why they thought that was intuitive, the answer is inscrutable...
These kittens are in a shelter in Brazil.
He’s not going to let you have his toy!
Well. Since it's basically a Japanese car, that's understandable. I still like it. So far it's been good, but I haven't driven it like I did the Toyota. I was always going to AZ or UT to visit folks, but I haven't done that in this truck.
Of course, that might be because I would make those trips in January, when the SS COLA raise came in. It paid for the gas. Now, I can't even break even. My "raise" was $4 and my rent went up $5.
Oh, look! A pair of floofs!!
So squee! And I need that this morning, for sure.
Friday with two kittens, and one is a Siamese.
We had rain last night. I got up and let Jake in.
I’ve had my shower, and the whole time, I’m thinking about taking my clothes to the laundromat on Monday morning. I’m going to go there in the next day or two and see what is available, is there an attendant, do I need to convert my quarters back to dollars, etc.
It’s only supposed to be up to 71 for a high today, and I have put my jacket away. I washed it Monday and saw there was a little snag in the left front, so it’s permanently retired.
In a bit, I’m going to have a breathing treatment and then my day will start for real. Ungh.
I was checking my email to see if the Direct Deposit had come in and there was yesterday’s reminder from Quest Labs for today’s 0415 appointment... That’s twice I’ve missed that. I can’t go back to the doctor to see her until the lab work is done. *sheesh*
That reminds me that I want to take my Big Coat to the cleaners.
I need to get my coat cleaned as well, but I think I’m just going to by a “Dryel” kit and do it myself.
The wind was already blowing at 21 mph at 0530, and it’s not going to lessen much as the day goes on. With the temp topping at 71, it’s not going to be a fun day.
That thing that Jewish kids play with at Hanukkah?
Good one, ArGee!
The new improved version. Keeps the kids busy while it cleans your stuff...
Yes. That. :o]
I had one of those Dryel kits, but I can’t find the darn thing. I was checking things out at eBay and Walmart, and Walmart is cheaper!
So I will make sure to get one on payday.
The wind is driving me crazy. It’s straight out of the north, and tomorrow will be worse. :o|
The U. S. Postal Service delivered the replacement deck belt for New Red Ridingthing. The sun is shining and the ground is (almost) dry. I’m pondering the thought as to whether I can replace the belt without dropping/removing the deck but if I remember correctly I need to loosen the belt guard(s) around the idler pulleys which required two wrenches (top and bottom) which will be a real PITA if it is not out where I can easily access it.
However there is a T. T. Longcat occupying my lap right now. That will last until he hears something that sounds like food happening out in the kitchen. More often than not it is the noise of someone putting something into the sink rather than the noise of an opening can, but he runs off to investigate anyway because - you never know. ;-)
Very patriotic post.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.