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 ...
I was out having my Exertions. Now I’m going to do dishes and laundry and stuff.
The laundry is done on this end, and my back is killing me.
I didn’t park in my usual spot when I came back, but parked down by the mail boxes. I could park by Charlie’s but I’m afraid it would wake him and Cindy2 up when I backed out.
I just don’t understand Greg. I’m not going to make a big deal of it, though, because there isn’t enough time left here to worry about it.
By the time Ross parked on the other side of me I had to squeeze to get in the truck. Both he and Greg are parked right on the lines. They want room? They can have it.
If it weren’t for having chores to do, life would be nothing but exertions.
It wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of people don’t have correct parking as their highest priority. DP is very picky about being perfectly centered, but since I park way away from everyone else, when possible, I don’t worry about it so much.
He’ll say, “There isn’t room for me to get out!” and I’ll say, “That’s funny, Tom just managed.”
There are six or seven vehicles parked across the street, now. With our four, movement is pretty constricted now. Sure would be nice if Bill would start hunting for an apartment ...
Indeed!
How are you today, Bob?
My neighbor, Cindy1, is a real fanatic about parking and I threatened once to get her a Day-Glo vest, a whistle and a clipboard so she could direct the people as they pulled in to park.
When I was unloading the truck, she came out, on her way to somewhere for the holiday and started to complain about neighbors and how hard it was for her to park when she came home last night. *waa-waa-waa*
And for a while, at the laundromat, I forgot all about the mess in my living room. BWAHAHAHA!
Passable.
I drive slow, you know.
We will all get there eventually, regardless of our velocity.
Unless one is lazy...
Is DP by any possible chance OCD? Jes’ axin’.
No more than the rest of us. It’s just one of his things.
Ah. Well, I seem to be getting more OCD as I age. But I figure I’ve lived long enough, I can just about get away with it. ;o]
In the meantime, I cleaned off the patio table and then hosed it and the chairs down, in case Charlie wants to come up here today for pizza. I’ll know in about an hour.
While I was doing that, I realized that Epic Fail Latino Lawn Service nicked my coiled hose in two places. I doubt I will get reimbursed for that, either by the manager or the Lawn Service. UNNGH!
The bed has been made, the ice cube trays have been filled and the hibiscus tea is steeping. Next on the agenda is to gather up the various waste baskets and take them to the dumpster.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-viet-nam-memorial-returns-met-20151208-story.html
You’ve been very busy! I’m going to cook some vegetables. Maybe it will be chicken salad eventually. Tom can grill the chicken.
Yesss...Ahhhhhhh....and relax.
YES!!! Thanks, Moosie!! <3
This time, I saved it!!! *hugs*
Good :)
(((Hugs)))
YOU are a treasure, sir! <3 :o])
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