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 ...
Never have done the frozen banana thing, but several people in my Weight Watchers meeting do.
Cub Scouts training was very useful. I’ll get the peppers in the oven in a few minute and then get dressed for waitressing at a church reception. It’s in honor of some people of whom I’m very fond, which is why they got the labor-intensive dish instead of cut-up apples and carrots!
My phone is working fine, so far, but I haven’t transferred the data. I just didn’t feel up to it. (I have to wait until my brain is ready to cooperate.)
It has been a much nicer Saturday than I expected, emotionally. Charlie and I had a good visit, but the wind was out of the NE at 6-16 mph, so we bundled up for our stint at the ramada. *sheesh* It’s almost May, fercryinoutloud! 53 degrees in No Las Vegas and 58 here at 0630! *shiver*
The stuffed green pepper was actually very good, and reminded me so much of my mother’s. I cheated and used Knorr’s Spanish Rice mix and hamburger, but it was much better than my last attempt. I froze three of the peppers, so within the next three months, I should be able to use them.
Nothing from my kids this weekend, but that’s not news. SOS. I lied. Hockeybughow just sent me a text! Woo-hoo!
My Third Grade teacher always had carrot sticks after lunch, when she was reading “Thunder Cave” to us. I met her daughter many years later and she still had the book and asked me to do a “book report” for Relief Society. Boy! Did THAT bring back memories!
Just finished stuffing the peppers, finally! They’ll be ready by 5:30, which is plenty of time to be where we need to be. I’m baking them in foil cake pans.
After I get the dishes done, I’ll go put a dress on.
Golly! Maybe I’ll have to drag a stuffed pepper out for tomorrow’s lunch!
Best wishes for the event tonight. I’m on my way to bed.
Very nice event, and the peppers were highly praised.
Saturday afternoon in Boise, Idaho..
Hope you had a grand time at your church reception!
Good Morning S.G...
I can’t help wonder if any of my nieces, nephews or grandchildren showed up for that? Hmmm...
Wellnow.... I wonder if that would have been the founder of Earff Day, getting ready to make compost of his girlfriend...? Things are questionable this morning. :o|
I had a very good time, thanks. People were surprised when I asked, “Can I get you another drink? Can I take your plate?” “I can do it,” they would say, and I would reply, “Yes, but that’s what I’m here for. See, it says ‘STEWARDship’ on my name tag.”
Fargo?
Such a tiny squee! The laptop is acting wonky again this morning, and I think I’ve had to re-boot four times. Not a good omen.
I was supposed to meet Zeke this morning, but when I went to open the clubhouse, he wasn’t there. I guess he’s not too worried about the letter I’ve been slaving over for a week. *sheesh*
More wind today. At least, the temp will be warm — 90, the foregnosticator says. But I’ll be in bed by the time that happens.
Since I was up at 0130 or thereabouts, yesterday, I wanted to sleep. I got about 90 minutes and then there were more updates, a call from a robot, and text messages from a sister; it was 2200 when I shut the light out and then I was up at 0300.
(Sure enough: the day is going downhill...)
I couldn’t figure out why I got so many notification pings on my phone, and this morning, I saw that there were 40 “updates” that required my attention. Hah. I ignored all but seven. I resent their intrusion into my privacy.
Fargo, North Decoder?
Fourth in as series of Norwegian Forest Kittens. However, I’m getting a yen for a Siamese.
I didn’t get up until after 7:30. I was even asleep most of it. I can’t remember the last time I did that!
It started pouring about 1:15 a.m. I got up to shut windows and look for Jake, and found Tom still up watching tv. I don’t know whether he got Jake in, or whether Bill did it before he left for work, but Jake was last seen sleeping in a pile of the girls’ laundry.
I thought the same thing! That was such a dark movie.
And the woman cop was William Macy’s wife in real life and she was really pregnant in that movie. Just in case someone doesn’t know that bit of trivia. ;o]
I’m beginning to really like the Norwegian Forest Kittehs.
It’s nice that you finally had a chance to sleep all night!
Wind and overcast. Ungh.
Anyone?
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