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 ...
I hope your experience at Walmart is better than mine was. I’m still ticked off at that.
Today, I was going to take Charlie and go to the complex where LuDean lives to put our names on the list, but I just saw him and he said he decided he would wait until “they” tell him when and where to move. As far into the property as we are, he may just move into the phase that is already finished.
There isn’t much sense in me putting in my application because I would just have to turn it down, since I’m waiting for St George. If I have to, I’ll put my stuff in storage up there and rent an apartment *gasp* for the month or two I have to wait.
It’s getting cold out. I don’t like it. The wind is up, too. *sigh*
It wasn’t bad. I got new shoes for James and a bathing suit for Pat.
My eyes feel like two burn-holes in a blanket. My early morning wake up is beginning to drag me down, but I want to go sit with Charlie and trade war stories: his shuttle ride shopping, yesterday, and my eventful trip to Walmart.
And at 1000, I’ll go up and get an absentee ballot because I don’t want to mess with the hordes on Monday. There are already repercussions about the “write-in” flyer, with one of the candidates on the ballot saying if a write-in wins, it’s illegal. I just want this to be over with.
DP, Tom, and Elen have left for the coast. Once lunch is over, I need to make some brownies for the Jamaican mission bake sale this evening. The people who installed our new garage door opener are here fixing some wires that were dangling.
I’m looking forward to Naptime.
My naptime will be at bedtime, as its too late for a nap, now.
In about 20 minutes, I’ll go sit with Charlie. He seems a little sad that there’s just the two of us left. Sometimes, Cindy1 comes to visit with her little dog, Angel, but most often not. Cindy2 is still mad at me over Chuck’s computer, and there really isn’t anyone else to come and visit. So it’s just us.
I can’t find the mayo I usually buy, nor can I find the face masks I need, so maybe tomorrow, I’ll go to Smith’s and get them there. I also need mustard, but this morning, I was just concentrating on yogurt and rice pudding.
I forgot something today, too. Whatever it is, we’ll do without it until the next time.
That’s me...I’ll wait until the next time I go, and this time, I will go to Smith’s because I KNOW they have they mayo I want as well as the masks. But I won’t go until tomorrow. I think Zeke told me Smith’s was open 24/7, but I only recall them being open from 0600 to 0100. But that was quite a few years ago.
I really want to go to bed, but it’s still a little early, even though I’m in so much pain. The cold wind hit my lower back while I was out with Charlie, and there isn’t much I can do except lie down with heat on it.
I hope the heat helps!
I needed to get a green pepper. Maybe I’ll remember tomorrow.
This “election” is getting ugly. It seems the people the Klingon chose have taken it upon themselves to remove the write-in flyers, stating that “write-ins are illegal.” Another person said the notice had to be signed. And the manager stated that he wanted the ID of the those submitting absentee ballots, which is illegal because this is by “secret ballot.” So I’m going to be forced to write another letter.
Zeke asked me if I had voted and I told him “no.” I’m actually not going to vote, and I will begin composing a letter to the HUD officials in Vegas about the illegal activities surrounding this “election.” It has all the earmarks of union thugs making sure their choice is elected.
This is not good.
And now, I want a stuffed green pepper, thank you very much! So I have to get a couple of peppers and some Mexican style rice mix... And ground beef. Ungh...
Oh, bad news about the neighborhood politics!
I’m going to make stuffed peppers for a church reception in a couple of weeks. Some friends are getting a service award, and I will be there, pouring drinks and passing plates.
It's all good. I will begin composing the letter tomorrow, and for now, I've asked Zeke to keep track of how many flyers he has to replace (four, so far) and to make a mental note of the "arguments" against write-ins (five, so far.) It just proves to me that the people who want in should not be in charge.
So when I wake up in the morning, I will begin to get the letter in shape. I've already told Zeke that I'm not above getting the media involved, since it would seem that's what it will take to stop the Klingon, who, I am sure, is behind this.
Zeke just sent me a text saying that if I win, there will be another election. (This is according to Berta.)NOT!
And with that, I’m going to bed. See all y’all tomorry. :o])
Tomorrow is another day.
;-)
N&W 611 is getting all steamed up at N.C. Transportation Museum
DP and some of the kids have been there. It’s about 1-1/2 hrs away.
WOW! How much fun would that be???
Gray squee. It matches the skies outside. It’s overcast again.
I have The S-L-O-W-S again this morning. I’ve been up 45 minutes and just can’t seem to get it together.
The thought has been going through my mind that I should go to Smith’s and get the things I couldn’t get at Wally’s with my EBT card (Smith’s is a lot closer than WinCo, and I have to save my gas - I have to go into to Vegas by the 18th to get my prescription) but my body just doesn’t want to cooperate.
There are so many haters in this place -—
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.