Boston Dynamics unveils 'nightmare-inducing' hybrid robot (video)

theguardian.com ^ | Alex Hern

[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.

[HKMk23]

Don’t lose that confidence.

[NoCmpromiz]

I was told the only thing they’re good at is euchre. They can’t handle a whole pinochle deck...

[Don W]

A lovely creation, yes. Completely self-interested, deceptive and amoral, absolutely.

[NoCmpromiz]

New digs so it needs a train update of sorts..

It was only a matter of time with all that solidified drought that is falling on the Moonbeam Empire that one or both of the major railroads out there would need to break out the big snoweaters.

And someone would post the obligatory video to EweToob.

Here ya go with the Union Pacific (ex Southern Pacific) version with 8800 horsepower pushing it. For those expecting some railroad trivia, note that the rotaries (there is one on each end so they don't need to turn the train around) are diesel powered not steam powered (although they have a steam generator for deicing purposes.) The power comes from another relic, an F7B with its 1120 KW (1500 HP) output used to drive the motor that turns the big fan.. ;-)

Rotary Snow Plow Returns to Donner Pass

On February 25th, 2017, the rotary snow plows returned to Donner Pass to battle the heavy Sierra Snow along the UP Roseville Subdivision.

The rotaries are somewhat of a legend along the railroad. Only used every 10 years or so, the rotaries are rarely seen. Flangers and spreaders work tirelessly through the winter months to keep the tracks open. When they cannot keep up with Mother Nature, the railroad turns to the rotaries. "They were sometimes called War Wagons" said retired Southern Pacific superintendent Bill Lynch, "Going to war against Mother Nature."

It has been a difficult winter for the Union Pacific Roseville Division. Intense storms have dropped over 13 feet of snow in the mountains, making it difficult to move trains along the Donner Pass Route (Roseville to Sparks via Truckee). The Feather River Route, which can often alleviate rail traffic from Donner Pass, has been closed for weeks due to massive washouts near Portola.

[Monkey Face]

OK. That demands a whole new set of things to monitor. I have a small Keurig that just sits, waiting until I turn it on. Now, I’m wondering: Should I? Or shouldn’t I?

I will leave a light on in the kitchen from now on, as they may be like hangers and multiply in the dark...

Thanks, GR...I will be aware...

[Monkey Face]

I suspect “Fluffy” is a totally inappropriate name for a robot, but then, we could introduce “Fluffy” to the Terminator, just to see the results. ;o]

[glock rocks]

Speaking of leaving lights on, my alarm clock projects the time on the ceiling... it could be sending subliminal transmissions, or worse.

I could sleep in the truck, but it has more computer gear than the entire house.

All the good caves are already taken.

[Monkey Face]

Thanks, but around 0830, my day improved exponentially.

Charlie finally got satellite TV for the monstrous TV that he got from Chuck, vicariously. I took him one of the enchiladas, some of the cookies I made yesterday, and a beer telling him to celebrate the first TV watching with his new toy.

I was very happy to know he was getting that TV. I would have liked it, but Charlie had an old 21” tube TV, so he really needed an upgrade.

[Kickass Conservative]

You know things are bad when your Robot has bigger Boobs than you do.

[Monkey Face]

Fahrenheit 451

I ordered that book on Amazon way back in November and never did get it. I really want to read it again.

[stephenjohnbanker]

“It was only a matter of time with all that solidified drought that is falling on the Moonbeam Empire that one or both of the major railroads out there would need to break out the big snoweaters.

And someone would post the obligatory video to EweToob. “

Ah Gov Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown. RIP California : )

[NoCmpromiz]

We promise to fold, spindle, mutilate and shred all the hanging chads we can find on it!

In a week, you won’t even recognize it!

And, unlike those sensitive snowflakes that trashed the Standing Rock Sioux's digs, we promise to take out the trash and turn the lights off when we leave..

[Monkey Face]

Thanks, NC! I had to save that. The train that goes by here every Wednesday is usually short and comes back within an hour or so. And that’s kinda sad in a way.

Thanks again for such a fun clip! (I saved it!)

[Monkey Face]

Oh, golly. I have to smack the clock next to the bed to find out the time. I don’t trust any of them. They....conspire....when no one is watching.

All the more reason to leave the light on in the kitchen. This place is small, but at least the kitchen “light” will allow me to escape out the window if the Keurig becomes “wonky.” (Said in s whisper, just in case.)

[Monkey Face]

And cleaning up after us is what the Undead Thread/Flying Castle is all about. We can’t have any debris floating around in space. I mean, we would have such a bad reputation that no one would want us to hang out around them.

[Tax-chick]

I’m glad things got better, and three cheers for Charlie’s new tv! Although maybe I shouldn’t say that, if it could turn feral on him or turn him in to the housing authority for thoughtcrime.

I’m feeling a little poorly today.

[Tax-chick]

Now I’m going to have to go to Walmart. Elen says she needs a poster board. Why she and Tom couldn’t stop on the way home from school and get one is a mystery.

[Darksheare]

They would likely repeat “How’zat?!” while laying down fire on everyone on the cricket pitch.

[Monkey Face]

Tom and Elen didn’t stop at Walmart on the way home because they don’t fully understand what it means to Adult.

I’m sorry you’re feeling poorly. Please don’t come down with any disagreeable nastiness. The UT depends on you!

I’m getting very tired, but Eddie The Attorney was over this morning and he said that the letter I wrote was factual, precise and uncluttered and that if we (residents here) need any help, he will be more than happy to help us. I made the last installment for the POA, so he’s happy about that. In essence, he says what “they” are trying to do to Zeke will not hold up in court. Now, all I have to do is convince Zeke to begin telling the Klingon and her minions to “contact my attorney.”

[Monkey Face]

Meh.