Boston Dynamics unveils 'nightmare-inducing' hybrid robot (video)

theguardian.com ^ | Alex Hern

[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 you’ll 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, Handle’s 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.

[NicknamedBob]

"Afternoon, all. I ignored the Teen Drama Event, so it fizzled into a Teen Inertia Event."

Even parents who don't have cars have to drive their kids.

[Tax-chick]

Quite so.

[Tax-chick]

[Monkey Face]

A marmalade squee to start my day. Excellent.

This morning, so far (45 minutes into it for me) I don’t feel too bad. That may change as I move around more.

I didn’t get the letter to my grandson written yesterday. My brane just fried itself before I could even pull up a blank sheet to work on. I will try again today.

Since I mailed out the letters concerning the meddling influence of the Klingon, I’m hoping this nomination, too, falls between the cracks and we can start over with real people and not hand-picked puppets.

[Tax-chick]

Hope you have a better day than some others! I’m leaving for WW with whomever is in the van when I drive away. Say a prayer: Bill the Son is having an interview right now with an advertising company.

[Monkey Face]

Prayer said.

I had the steroid, but I need the one for breathlessness. I have a bone spur on the first knuckle of my right big toe. I need to get some different shoes, but I don’t know what I need more: Shoes or a haircut.

[ArGee]

My brane just fried itself before I could even pull up a blank sheet to work on.

Your brane isn't running Microsoft, is it?

[Monkey Face]

Your brane isn't running Microsoft, is it?

It may as well be.

[ArGee]

Is this thing on?

[Tax-chick]

Mine is. I’m dragging in slow motion through this and that. I went to Walmart.

[ArGee]

WalMart will do that to you.

Today is just a “do stuff and stay off the Net” day I guess.

[TChris]

I want one!

That is really amazing. Like most radically new technology, it is unsettling at first. But I love it!

[OddLane]

That is one cute kitty.

[NicknamedBob]

"Like most radically new technology, it is unsettling at first. But I love it!"

I've been trying to think of an easy and elegant way to convert wheeled motion to leg-walking. I think the right way is to control how the lowermost leg part has an extension mode, so that the vehicle can remain somewhat level over uneven terrain.

Should be easy with today's technology. Of course, nothing would beat the utility of the spider robot I designed about umpteen years ago. I'm surprised no one has built a few of those. They'd be perfect for farm work. You could go from picking apples to rescuing your tractor from a mud-bog.

[NoCmpromiz]

Leaving this kitty here for when you all wake up.. ;-)

[Tax-chick]

Yes, it is. I’m not sure I trust him, though.

[Tax-chick]

[Monkey Face]

heh-heh! Floofy!

Thanks, NoC! I wonder what it would be like to have coffee this time of day instead of waiting for 0930 when I go outside.

[Monkey Face]

Got any 7’s?

Marmalade squee, again! :o])

[Tax-chick]

This orange kitteh has more white patches.