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Boston Dynamics unveils 'nightmare-inducing' hybrid robot (video)
theguardian.com ^ | Alex Hern

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 ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: allmvmebelongtous; google; koalaoil; molassesmiasma; monkeyfacerules; robocalypse; robotics; robotoverlords; undeadthread; undeadthreadhere
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To: Tax-chick

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*


1,181 posted on 04/07/2017 7:45:10 AM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Monkey Face

It wasn’t bad. I got new shoes for James and a bathing suit for Pat.


1,182 posted on 04/07/2017 8:19:37 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

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.


1,183 posted on 04/07/2017 8:35:35 AM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Monkey Face

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.


1,184 posted on 04/07/2017 8:39:07 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

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.


1,185 posted on 04/07/2017 8:56:56 AM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Monkey Face

I forgot something today, too. Whatever it is, we’ll do without it until the next time.


1,186 posted on 04/07/2017 8:59:29 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

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.


1,187 posted on 04/07/2017 10:58:33 AM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Monkey Face

I hope the heat helps!

I needed to get a green pepper. Maybe I’ll remember tomorrow.


1,188 posted on 04/07/2017 11:43:25 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

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.


1,189 posted on 04/07/2017 12:01:43 PM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Tax-chick

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...


1,190 posted on 04/07/2017 12:04:00 PM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: RoosterRedux

https://www.c-span.org/video/?317915-1/final-invention


1,191 posted on 04/07/2017 12:04:08 PM PDT by morphing libertarian
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To: Monkey Face

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.


1,192 posted on 04/07/2017 12:09:50 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick
Oh, bad news about the neighborhood politics!...

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!

1,193 posted on 04/07/2017 12:39:44 PM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Monkey Face

And with that, I’m going to bed. See all y’all tomorry. :o])


1,194 posted on 04/07/2017 12:59:27 PM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Monkey Face

Tomorrow is another day.


1,195 posted on 04/07/2017 5:22:46 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick
Do we know anyone in North Carolina?

;-)

N&W 611 is getting all steamed up at N.C. Transportation Museum

1,196 posted on 04/07/2017 10:56:55 PM PDT by NoCmpromiz (John 14:6 is a non-pluralistic comment.)
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To: Tax-chick; fanfan; ColdOne; Cyber Liberty; null and void; Anoreth; Monkey Face; ...

1,197 posted on 04/08/2017 2:54:18 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: NoCmpromiz

DP and some of the kids have been there. It’s about 1-1/2 hrs away.


1,198 posted on 04/08/2017 2:55:14 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: NoCmpromiz

WOW! How much fun would that be???


1,199 posted on 04/08/2017 4:42:56 AM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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To: Tax-chick

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 -—


1,200 posted on 04/08/2017 4:52:29 AM PDT by Monkey Face (People who have no life will always try to start drama in yours. FB)
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