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 ...
Midsomer Murders: Where all are welcome to the Wedding...
But someone will be leaving in a Casket.
For those in need of more data: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsomer_Murders
As your day is starting up o’er there, I’m preparing to call it a night. Especially as it is starting to lighten up towards the East.
Two felines are not speaking to me right now since they both (at differing times) hopped onto my lap for some personal attention and I took advantage of their proximity to apply some Frontline clone to their skin under their neck fur. They will thank me in a day or so but right now they don’t like me much.
And two are still outside. One is (at last observation) hanging out in the driveway but refusing to come inside, and the other is (again) up in her aerie on the roof of the ‘Florida Room’.
Our resident feral, T. T. Tomcat (Thomas The Tomcat or Tom Tom for short) has been here twice tonight looking for alms.
And on that note..
OK. Now I wish I had all of them. They would be almost as much fun as Inspector Linley. Or Father Brown.
What a miserable night I had. Between the soggy weather and the smoking neighbor and his smoking brother, I had to have umpteen breathing treatments.
Needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep. I’m hoping the shower will make me feel almost human.
One good thing is that I dodged a bullet for today’s events, which are now non-events.
I don’t like Inspector Linley. I have Father Brown in the dead-tree edition.
Good morning, glad you’ll be home today, hope you feel better after the shower. I’ll be out all day at Webelos Adventure Camp. HOT!
Pensive little floof!
Good morning to you, too!
I like Inspector Linley because of that sloppy little sidekick he has. She solved all the cases. Kind of like a female Columbo.
In my messing around here yesterday, I found some more things to send to Bill the Nephew. What a good girl I am! The good news is that if I get right on this stuff, after my shower, I may be able to finish up with these files and get them put away.
I found some pork and beans that were a total surprise to my mouth in one of my recent shopping trips. KC Masterpiece Applewood Smoked. Best.
I liked Barbara in the books, when I was reading the books, but in the show, they made her skinny.
Maybe it’s because I read so early and so much, but I really enjoy reading a good Whodunnit. When I get to the scary parts, I can put the book down and take a breath. In a movie, not so much!
Done with the shower and if nothing else, I smell better!
Since it’s not practical to try and shift things around here in the living room, I just put hot pink duct tape on the keyboard tray runners. It just has to last until I move out.
I thought she was pretty dumpy in the shows. Like I said — Columbo.
Is that the accolade or the state of Western Civilization?
Here's a handy tip that might make that part easier. Kill the cow first.
You're welcome.
Give it some of that flank steak.
A rousing sign of success!
Not wasting that flank steak, whenever I buy it!
Have a good weekend, ArGee!
U2
Day One of Webelos Adventure Camp was survived. My feet hurt. We had some spare time, in which I sat in the shade and read a novel. It was like vacation.
Next I’m going to email my mother and make my lunch for tomorrow. I’ve set my alarm, so I can get up early enough to do my physical therapy exercises.
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