Can't wait to tell Ava and Kiko about this and share a good laugh. Huh...where are they? Ava? Kiko? Where's my badge? Open the doors Ava. Kiko? Mommy?
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 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
Robotics is a fascinating field.
The age of humans becoming obsolete for manual labor is approaching at an increasing speed.
They’re angling for police and military use for that thing. No other reason for the speed and agility. I have serious reservations and genuinely dislike/distrust this. At the hands of a corrupt leftist government, take a good hard look because it’s going to be pursuing you eventually.
Until somebody throws a handful of sand into it. =)
That is insanely cool.
The first testimonial in this video is from Boston Dynamics, an Atlassian customer, showing another one of their robots in development:
Dude! that thing, like, totally shreds, man!
I have deployed robotics in industrial applications and they are surprisingly robust.
Critical joints and components can be shielded from debris or have “puffers” strategically placed to prevent dust and dirt from being a problem.
Impressive no doubt but what happens if it fall over on its side? cost millions too.
Okay fine. We will just pour an oil slick in front of it. LOL Just kidding! I was just thinking about my Wile E. Coyote childhood. I did watch the video where it drove through the snow into the parking lot. Impressive.
What about spike strips? Yea yea yea, I know it will just jump over them, as demonstrated on the video. =)
There’s plenty of reasons, that’s basically what makes it useful. A lifting and hauling robot is nice, but if it can’t move at least at human speed it’s not much use. I see a great construction yard tool here, getting heavy objects upstairs quickly without fatigue and injury, that’s good stuff.
Can't wait to tell Ava and Kiko about this and share a good laugh. Huh...where are they? Ava? Kiko? Where's my badge? Open the doors Ava. Kiko? Mommy?
Did you watch the full video? It’s built for pursuit.
Or solid tires, which they may be anyway due to the weight of that thing.
It is still electronic and subject to potential hacking, imagine if it was hacked and turned on humans.
It would potentially be subject to an EMP (electro magnetic pulse) as well.
Hewwo Acme Pest Control? I have a pest I want controlled.
It’s built to do mundane tasks quickly.
... and leap past obstacles at full speed.
I would if it could be programmed to catch people who like to diddle little kids?
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