Posted on 11/24/2013 7:22:48 AM PST by Star Traveler
The future doesn't always arrive with a gasp and a boom like Skynet inTerminator. No, sometimes it's more like Office Space.
At least that's the idea I get watching this video of the Marines' testing the Legged Squad Support System. DARPA built the LS3 to act as an autonomous pack horse that "can carry 400 lbs of a squad’s load, follow squad members through rugged terrain and interact with troops in a natural way, similar to a trained animal and its handler."
And yet, in the hands of real Marines, it sounds like they're testing a new network printer out, or maybe putting the office fob system through its paces.
(Excerpt) Read more at defenseone.com ...
You are all forgetting the most important questions.
What’s their carbon footprint?
Are they “green”? (I don’t mean olive drab, either.)
Can they use fryer grease to operate?
Were any spotted owls or darter snails killed in the construction of these things.
Have they “chosen” a gender for themselves?
Is there any chance they will become “self-aware” and, heaven forbid, begin having religious stirrings deep within?
Are they eligible for family or maternity leave?
Will they retire and automatically become a “person of interest” to the Overlords?
Exactly my thought.
Why spend a couple hundred dollars on a real mule when the government can spend a million for a fake mule?
I’d go with mules as well.
My grandfather used mules to pull logs for his mills.
I’m used to them and they are easy to work.
That robot thing is pretty creepy!
CC
how about a name?
I remember seeing movies of Merrill’s Marauders trekking through the jungles, swamps and over mountains in Burma.
The things the mules and men had to contend with would short out that robot mule in a heartbeat.
I think a big problem with these things is going to be noise.
Just sayin'. 
The increased dependence on electronics in warfare will mean that forces reliant on these will make themselves vulnerable to electronic hijack by competent militaries like that of China’s, turning the machines into destroying its own side.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricia_Helfer
Or if you prefer her OTHER Robot form that is fine too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7aU0sLAcs8
China little Electronic Back Door so to speak.
So...this solves the problem of women in combat not having enough physical strength?
Yep, Kenyan is already outfitting one to escape to Chineeeese, with full documentation on chip.
She makes me happy. :)
One word comes to mind..
PANZERFAUST!
Interesting how they edited the sound to emphasize the leaves crunching in the woods. I bet nobody there could hear anything but the sound of the motor exhaust. These things are loud as hell. They better be working on a serious muffler system for this thing to be of any practical use.
Smaal Star Wars walkers. The Ewoks could take these down with a single slingshot.
That robot can be in my squad any day she wants. I doubt we would get much work done though. :=D
in an unexpected discovery, enemy troops are disabled for at least 5 minutes due to laughter.
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