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 ...
That looks like one of those plaster cats that are won in carnivals. Very elegant!
And now, for my next trick, I’m going to sort clothes.
Ah. No wonder I couldn’t figure it out...I never watched Thomas the Tank Engine, forcibly or otherwise. Hmmm.
Posing for an Egyptian worship statuette.
For your first day of spring, a reminder from the Feline Overlords that they are superior to us.
At least they’re willing to share the planet with us.
I’m not sure who lined up my house, but the morning sunlight is traveling right down the middle of the hall.
I’m not saying it’s aliens, but ...
On the other hand, have you talked to your feline overlords about it?
According to them, it's ancient history.
Spring! Now all I need are a few 100 degree days and I’ll be a happy little person!
The laundry is clean, the sheets and towels put away, and the sleep shirts are awaiting their hanging.
And I, I will sit here and let my back recover a bit, and then will begin the final draft of this letter to HUD, in the hopes that we can forestall this sham election of “officers” for the resident council.
After I get it mailed, I will relax. I don’t feel too bad this morning, but my day has just started.
Bing has a beautiful Equinox photo that I may download if they allow that. Sometimes, they don’t.
That kitteh is contemplating whose path to cross.
One day, just for fun, you should go out in unsorted clothes. See if anyone notices.
At one point I may have mentioned we would have a guest from Germany who agreed with the Chancellor’s immigration approach. I was going to let him elucidate me.
Since then I’ve found he doesn’t have any problem with lying or cheating as long as he’s trying to cajole something he believes he deserves out of whomever, so I don’t think there’s any point in asking him about immigration.
And he professes to be a Christian. That’s the problem with Christianity - anyone can join.
My Monday morning is featuring a teen drama event. I’m going to take the byos to the library.
I’ve taxed my brane to the limit, already this morning.
(Someone just walked by, reeking of cigarette smoke to the point that it was easy for the wind to blow the odor in my open door. Ugh.)
The sleep shirts have been hung up, and the linens are where they belong, but I still have to make the bed. And write a letter to my grandson, which I didn’t do yesterday.
Wish me luck... Never mind — I’ll make my own!
Do you give lessons in luck making?
If you look at a 30 day graph of the Dow you can see the exact day we decided it was OK to get back into the market. It's that spiky-shape marking a high.
Someone asked me about 30 years ago if I gave lessons. He never specified what he wanted lessons in, but the answer now is the same as it was then: No. Sorry.
And yes, I saw the spiky-thing marking a high on the stock exchange. I liked it!
With those attributes has he perchance considered a career in televangelism? I'm sure Joel (the one on TV, not the son of Pethuel) could give him some pointers to start.. ;-)
Alas, without some serious mentoring, I fear that's exactly where he's headed.
Afternoon, all. I ignored the Teen Drama Event, so it fizzled into a Teen Inertia Event.
Kathleen’s riding lessons was a success. Then I fell asleep.
Up next, Sunday School and Cub Scouts. The Scouts are having a campfire. This means everyone’s uniforms will need washing!
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