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Segway's Robotic Mobility Platform

Posted by michael on from the kill-sarah-connor dept.

XopherMV writes "USA Today reports a military project aimed at building smarter robots has given researchers the wheels they need to make their automatons go. Originally developed by New Hampshire-based Segway for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program, the firm's Robotic Mobility Platform (RMP) allows robot developers to focus more on the thinking power of their machines while providing a quick mode of transportation. Segway's self-balancing robot platform takes up about 2 square feet and comes equipped with software and interface electronics necessary to receive, process and execute commands from an onboard robot payload. "It was a minor modification to what we had," Morrell said. "The challenges for us were largely in declining to get too fancy, and keeping it really simple." Capable of carrying 100 pounds (45 kilograms) and moving about 8 miles (12 kilometers) an hour, the platform has two different modes. Researchers can choose between its standalone function as a robot's wheels or a tractor-like mode for towing trailers or other loads. "The goal is not to have researchers worry about transportation," Morrell said. "That way, if [a robot's computer algorithms] work on an RMP, then you could put it on a Hummer or anything else.""

6 of 90 comments (clear)

  1. yikes! by Scythr0x0rs · · Score: 5, Funny

    I for one welcome our Segway powered over^H^H^H^H... oh, found the on/off switch!

  2. Scale it up by AndroidCat · · Score: 3, Funny
    They're missing a possibility in the entertainment market:

    Monster Segway Robot Challenge! (Only this Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!)

    --
    One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
  3. The real question is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    How easy is it to mount hydraulic hammers and saws and slamming pickaxes onto this thing? I need to know in time to finish my new "RoboGinsu" in time for the next battlebots tournament.

  4. Re:Modular design in action by TAGmclaren · · Score: 2, Funny
    I want my drink retrieving, vaccuum cleaning, walking, talking robot - Damnit!!


    These things have a scientific name in meatspace - they're known as "wives". ::ducks:: :)
    --
    Iran has endorsed
  5. read kilometers :P by SmallFurryCreature · · Score: 2, Funny

    stupid americans and their imperial system, I blame bush.

    --

    MMO Quests are like orgasms:

    You may solo them, I prefer them in a group.

  6. So ... by wobblie · · Score: 3, Funny

    The Masters of Useless Technology have finally discovered the biggest consumers of useless crap that has ever existed - the US military, and boy those pockets are deep.

    This is sort of like when the RIAA discovered the disposable income of teenagers, but with added gore.