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 ...
Further events: although Tom had already submitted online his wordy screed, he can submit updated versions until midnight. Also there was an option to work with a partner, so Stoner Molly, who can write in her lucid moments, added a paragraph to Tom’s work. This didn’t make it better, but didn’t make it worse, either.
Then Tom submitted this as a new, cowritten paper. All according to class policy, and he earned $300 in 15 minutes, if she pays. They’re supposed to meet at Walmart later.
If she pays even part, it’s a win. He can buy pizza and Diet Coke!
Latest is she will come by before midnight to pay him because yadda yadda between now and then. I have a feeling she’s dealing drugs, but having a feeling doesn’t constitute culpable participation in a felony (for me or Tom), so whatever.
Interesting, all that. There is a lot of drug dealing going on here, and I stay as far away from the dealers as possible, lest I get tagged as an aider or abettor.
For now, though, I’m going to go in and turn on the mattress pad so I can go to bed, soon.
I need to take my pills which means I need to also eat something, but I don’t know if my stomach will cooperate.
It started around 0200ish here in ‘upstate*’. Maybe 3” total but it made the local school district cancel classes..
They are preguessing a real storm for next week with up to 10”. Considering their current track record, I’ll wait to see. And start the Olde Deere before then just so it can refuse to start if I really need it.
*Upstate by the NYC definition - anything that is not the five boroughs, Long Island, or Westchester. The REAL upstate is up by Lake George and thereabouts.. ;-)
Sunny and 72F here, with a cracking north wind.
Or even worse, an abattoir.
Snow fell. Nothing stuck.
But I didn’t have to move my car last night so it wasn’t a total loss of a Snow Alert.
That's a no-win exercise right there. If they cancel classes and it was nothing parents are upset they had to arrange child care for THIS? But then if it does snow and they don't close schools they don't care for the kids' safety.
I say let 'em all homeschool.
Congratulations. Nothing here.
I know it’s not charitable to silently snicker when other parents go on about how dreadful it is that they have to spend a day with their children, but I do it anyway.
Lots of Points in that.
It’s got chocolate. The points don’t count.
Looks like a dragon has been through there.
Evening Bob,
A Japanese Dragon, and a big one at that.
Only the Japanese would bother to make such perfectly moulded sides through a snow drift.
The Trifecta of doom snack.
Chocolate head ache, peanut allergy , and gluten attack.
Formally known in the old world (1980s) as a ‘Marathon’ bar.
I've had one of those on my desk here for about two weeks.
Waiting for a special occasion, I guess. I think I might be allergic to hemlock drinks and stuff but otherwise my stomach is made of pig iron.
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