Boston Dynamics unveils 'nightmare-inducing' hybrid robot (video)

theguardian.com ^ | Alex Hern

[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.

[Tax-chick]

I’m glad you were able to go to church. We sometimes have a children’s choir for Mother’s Day at the Spanish Mass, but this year we didn’t. Asuncion did a very pretty song by herself.

Back from my walk/run with James. I’m trying to get in shape for Cub Scout camp! DP took his truck up to the mechanic, which is near the Walmart, and then was going to run back on the nice sidewalk the city put in a couple of years ago.

Bill is in the sunroom on a phone interview with yet another advertising firm. Tom, Elen, and Sally not up yet.

[Monkey Face]

The laundry is done. On the dryer side of the laundromat, there are no chairs, so in order to see when the machines stop, I have to be standing almost in front of them. Standing is not good for my back.

On my way home from doing the laundry, I stopped at McDonald’s and got an iced chocolate mocha and a breakfast burrito. There was enough money left after yesterday, and I just figured I could treat myself! So I did!

When I got home, I took another pain pill and when it kicks in, I’ll go hang up the wet sleep shirts.

The wind is blowing and we’re going to have a high of 73 today. I. Want. Summer!

[Tax-chick]

[ArGee]

Good morning. Good to see everyone again.

[Monkey Face]

Good morning! It’s good to be seen!

[Monkey Face]

I guess the crash was because the servers just couldn’t handle my birthday! ;o]

[Monkey Face]

And we can probably expect a morning kitteh very soon!

[Tax-chick]

Time-travel Kitteh was there before you.

[Monkey Face]

*hmph*

Now I’m gruntled.

[Tax-chick]

Just face it: kittehs are always better than you.

[Monkey Face]

She saw me coming, didn’t she?

[Tax-chick]

Of course.

“Mew!”

[Monkey Face]

Maybe I’ll have to tell her a shaggy dog story. *heh*

[Dead Corpse]

Been here for over 18 years. These last two crashes have been the worst I've ever seen...

[Tax-chick]

Hardware, software, all that stuff.

[null and void]

The servers finally got Viagra!

[null and void]

Happy Belatet Birfday!

[Tax-chick]

Morning, nully. Stay cool!

[null and void]

Morning!

The Flat Earth Society has members all around the globe!

[Dead Corpse]

Naw.... Just some new silicone toys. I hear stuff like ttat is legal in Kalifornia...