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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 have a picture somewhere on my backup drive that I took in Beverly Hills a year ago while walking down Olympic. Majestic cat for sure.
Some day I might post it, but I am very immobile now due to some long needed surgery the back of my foot.

I am happy to have had my surgery, though with Obamacare I will pay $13,000 with premiums and deductibles, so my insurance pays nothing.
I have no pain, but look up insertional Achilles tendinitis.
Words associated with my surgery by my doctor was described as gruesome, bone saw, and reattachment of Achilles’ tendon after bone removal.

“I AIN'T GOT TIME FOR THAT”

2,281 posted on 05/23/2017 12:09:25 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God Bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)
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To: Tax-chick

Pawww...


2,282 posted on 05/23/2017 12:13:36 PM PDT by OddLane
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To: A CA Guy

Oh, dear, that sounds dreadful. I hope you’re restored to full mobility soon!


2,283 posted on 05/23/2017 12:30:40 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: A CA Guy

Ohmygosh!

I hope your recovery is swift and non-eventful. Foot surgery is one of the worst to go through. It seems like you have to “stay off your feet” forever. I’ll keep you in my prayers!


2,284 posted on 05/23/2017 1:27:10 PM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Tax-chick

While I was sorting through things, I found a thingy I’ll send you for the Cub Scouts to do. I thought it was cute, but have no one to make it for. The grandkids are either too young or too old.

I’m glad I decided to sort through the files today. It may take me a week to get it all done like it should be but it will be worth it.

It won’t be long before I head for bed, but that’s going to take some navigation, today. My living room floor is full of boxes, files, loose papers and loose files, and the whole thing should be taken care of with a front loader.

When Zeke came by earlier, he asked me when I was going to Walmart again and I told him tomorrow at 0500. He likes that I have room in my truck for him and what he buys.


2,285 posted on 05/23/2017 1:35:58 PM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Monkey Face

I let Tom take me to Walmart, and I put gas in the car. And bought a bunch of stuff. It’s still raining, but I have to go out later to the Parish Anniversary Dinner-Dance Committee meeting.


2,286 posted on 05/23/2017 2:01:47 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

Oh, yes! I ran across the photos I took the second (?) time I visited. Frank was a toddler! It was the time you took me to the Charlotte Motor Speedway complex.

All I can say is this: Once I get settled in Utah’s Dixie, I would like to come and visit with you again. I suspect it’s way past time!

And now, I believe it’s time for this one to go to bed. How much fun can I have in one day??? :oO


2,287 posted on 05/23/2017 2:02:49 PM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Monkey Face

You will be welcome to visit again. It will be spacious here if some people have moved out!

Hope you have a good night.


2,288 posted on 05/23/2017 2:05:13 PM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

Thanks for the good night wishes! I suspect I’ll be unbothered by text messages until at least morning.

And maybe, between now and the time we can make my trip work, some people WILL have moved out! LOL!

Have a good night!


2,289 posted on 05/23/2017 2:12:30 PM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Monkey Face; fanfan; ColdOne; Cyber Liberty; null and void; Tax-chick; Anoreth; ...

2,290 posted on 05/24/2017 3:12:15 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

What a pretty little face!

In a few minutes I’ll go take my shower, and then head to Wally’s when Zeke shows up at 0500.

During the night, I forgot about the state my living room was in and was faced with an obstacle course on my way to the kitchen to get my pills. I hope I can put a dent in it all today.

This is very unsettling for me.


2,291 posted on 05/24/2017 3:29:20 AM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Tax-chick; everyone

Good morning T-C and everyone. May each of us type something God sees today as intelligence from above or His. I will try but am certain I shall fail. May each of all here succeed


2,292 posted on 05/24/2017 3:33:06 AM PDT by no-to-illegals (If America Cared would a moslem cair?)
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To: no-to-illegals; Monkey Face

Good morning! The rain has stopped here, for now, and I hope to be out the door to exercise with James in less than half an hour.


2,293 posted on 05/24/2017 3:48:44 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

That is good news. May the day be wonderful for you and yours


2,294 posted on 05/24/2017 4:09:40 AM PDT by no-to-illegals (If America Cared would a moslem cair?)
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To: no-to-illegals

Thank you, and the same to you!


2,295 posted on 05/24/2017 4:12:59 AM PDT by Tax-chick ("I prefer to think of myself as ... civilized." ~Jonathan Q. Higgins)
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To: Tax-chick

I’m going to go have my steroid and then wait for Zeke.

Unngh.

When I get back, the sun will be up and my living room will be bright enough to work in.


2,296 posted on 05/24/2017 4:18:05 AM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: no-to-illegals; Tax-chick
"May each of us type something God sees today as intelligence from above or His."

I figure the most intelligent thing I can do is not respond to the challenge.

2,297 posted on 05/24/2017 7:20:12 AM PDT by NicknamedBob (If you can't do something well, you won't do anything good.)
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To: NicknamedBob; Tax-chick; moose07; Dead Corpse; HKMk23; NoCmpromiz; Covenantor; Darksheare

BWAHAHA! Good one, Bob!

One of my nieces had a DNA test done, and because of it, we found out our mother (her grandmother) told the Lie of the Last Century. She told us we were descendants of the Sioux.

Because of that said niece got a job on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation as a dialysis nurse. I hope the Tribe adopts her!

Niece is 93% Irish! She looked for a match and found a gal who is, in actuality, her half-sister! So we’re all happy-family-reunioning, including the mom (NOT on FR) who gave this gal up for adoption so many years ago.

Weird stuff, that DNA.


2,298 posted on 05/24/2017 8:56:36 AM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Monkey Face

Wow. Am I the only one in here?


2,299 posted on 05/24/2017 8:57:06 AM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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To: Monkey Face

*echo*


2,300 posted on 05/24/2017 8:57:25 AM PDT by Monkey Face (The best way to a man's heart is through the fourth and fifth ribs.)
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