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iRobot Demonstrates New Weaponized Robot

Posted by samzenpus on from the you-have-30-seconds-to-comply dept.

An anonymous reader writes "According to this IEEE story, iRobot and the US military have released video showing a weaponized version of iRobot's Warrior robot. In the video, the Warrior is seen firing a weapon system called the APOBS (Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System), a grenade-filled line propelled by a rocket and stabilized by a drogue parachute. This system is used to clear minefields and obstructed roads. The video shows soldiers deploying a Warrior with the APOBS mounted on its back. The robot fires the device, which lands along a dirt road, exploding after a few seconds. A voice is then heard, 'Road clear; proceed forward.'"

12 of 188 comments (clear)

  1. This seems somewhat familiar by dkleinsc · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think you better do as he says, Mr. Kinney.

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    1. Re:This seems somewhat familiar by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      You have ten seconds to comply.

  2. All hail the conquers! by f3rret · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well I for one welcome our new robotic overlords.

    Granted the inevitable human rebellion will have a surprisingly easy time fighting these things, I mean just hide up a sufficiently steep slope and the apparently top heavy ting will tumble over backwards. Alternatively you could just walk away at a reasonably brisk pace.

    And speaking of military robots, am I the only one who's creeped out by Big Dog? Looks like some sort of unholy union between a deer and a spider..

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    1. Re:All hail the conquers! by Chris+Burke · · Score: 5, Funny

      And speaking of military robots, am I the only one who's creeped out by Big Dog? Looks like some sort of unholy union between a deer and a spider..

      You can call it unholy if you want, but there was magic in the air that night. Who are you to judge true love?

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      The enemies of Democracy are
  3. Roomba accessory by kmahan · · Score: 2, Funny

    This would be great for my roomba when it runs into a really big mess. Or for its obstacle route planning. Instead of turning to go around the obstacle it could just remove the obstacle.

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  4. Just what the military needs... by MrEricSir · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...a device that runs around in circles shooting randomly.

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  5. after it clears the obstacles by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Also, after it breaches the obstacles, it helpfully vacuums up the resulting mess so following vehicles don't get a puncture.

  6. Re:Obvious questions... by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Funny

    And what do I do when they accident send one of these in my new roomba box....

    "honey, Why is the vacuum setting fire to the couch?"

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    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  7. Gee... by umask077 · · Score: 4, Funny

    So I was happy with my Roomba and Scoomba. Now they have home defense products too. Wow. Do I have to buy the whole robot or can I just get the weapon mounts for my vacuum?

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    1. Re:Gee... by zorro-z · · Score: 2, Funny

      I can see it now...

      "From the people who brought you Roomba and Scooba... it's BOOMBA!"

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      -Z
  8. Re:Humanity by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I was merely trying to point out the stupidity of war

    You failed.

  9. One small problem. . . by shadowfaxcrx · · Score: 2, Funny

    This brilliant plan will be foiled when the enemy buys a $99 add-on virtual wall and erects it in front of the minefield.

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