While everyone loves cuddly pets, wouldn't it be awesome if
you could train them to do more than respond to their names, sit, and beg? A
robotic creation by Boston Dynamics aims to be the sturdy and loyal companion
to any serviceman who has to go long distances on foot.
The four-legged bot, named AlphaDog, was designed to carry
heavy military objects and be able to walk on any terrain that soldiers and
marines may have to endure without vehicles. The best part? The machine does
not need a driver, because it can either follow a particular person with its
computer vision, or use its GPS to navigate to a location by itself.
AlphaDog is still in the prototype testing phase, so it
doesn't look quite like the concept drawing above just yet. However, the
prototype can carry up to 400 pounds across 20 miles of terrain before needing
to be refueled. The bot does take its time reaching its destination--24 hours
to carry 180 kilograms of kit over that distance.
AlphaDog, which also goes by the name Legged Squad Support
Systems (LS3), is being funded by DARPA and the U.S. Marine Corps, and it
should be completed for its first proper walk sometime next year. While
AlphaDog is slightly daunting to look at, this could be a really beneficial
tool for various forces that need to carry objects without the help of large
vehicles.
0 comments:
Post a Comment