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 ...
LoL, How inconsiderate of them to do such a thing on a Sunday Morning.
I doubt it will stir any of the Offspring.
Jake is killing a rabbit.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, past, present and future! May it be a blessed day for everyone!
Since I took Avira off my laptop, my yahoo account seems to be locked more than it isn’t, even when I’m reading email.
But I’ll send you an email as soon as I can.
It’s going to be cold tomorrow, again, barely getting out of the 60’s. In mid-May? In the desert??
And it may rain. The last storm we had that muddied up the BB SUV put 8” of new snow on Mt Charleston. That’s only been about 10 days ago.
I don’t recall how it is here, but I know we can’t register and vote on the same day. I’m just trying to forget all about voting, here, because I’m waiting for the first time I can vote in Utah.
What a pretty Mother’s Day floof!
When Great Britain decides to have Spring, she does it in fine style! Those are beautiful photos! Thanks!
Some of the pioneer diaries talk about ice and snow in August. Maybe it’s in the Rockies.
You’re welcome ‘Face.
There are some more to come ,but Suckerflake hasn’t hosted them yet.... :D
Back from my walk. I saw several rabbits and was ignored by a pretty white cat.
I’ve had my breathing treatment, so ostensibly, I’m ready for the day. All I need now is my hibiscus tea, and read a bit more in “Journey.” You must be farther along that I am, but the northern plains have been known to have snow and hail in July and August, if weather conditions are right.
(I wish Jamie was here to do my hair. This last cut was an insult.)
Vlad cleaned up the rabbit corpse. Jake had eaten most of it.
A schedule confusion has been cleared up: Pat and James thought an Eagle Scout ceremony was this afternoon, but it turns out it’s next weekend.
Jake is such a cat.
I don’t know what time Lablady and I are going to eat, but I’m sure wherever it is, it’s going to be very crowded. Maybe we’ll do something Chinese...
Fried dumplings are one of my favorites. It will be lunchtime here soon, so we can leave for church by 12 at the latest. I haven’t heard from the group at the beach: guess they’re sleeping in.
I want something to eat, but I don’t know what. I need to lose more poundage before September, just because.
Nothing from anyone I love today...I figure they are either sleeping or in church. That’s OK. I’ve learned to love my quiet time in the mornings.
*Mother’s Day tagline*
Sounds like a bit of a threat!
I’m going to have some leftovers for lunch, in half an hour.
What happened to Sally’s hair? The last time you sent me a pic of it, it was long and shiny. Now, it looks like an unmade bed! But wait. She’s the Resident Drama Queen. My bad. I forgot.
I’m in contact with a gal who is related by marriage to my part of the family in Colonia Juarez. She seemed a little upset that I didn’t know she was female. Unngh.
I gotta eat something before my stomach thinks my throat has been cut.
She decided it was too heavy and hot. This is a “razor cut.”
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