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BigDog Robot Grabs, Lifts, and Throws Cinder Blocks With Its New Arm

Posted by Soulskill on from the please-don't-teach-it-to-aim-for-humans dept.

cylonlover writes "Boston Dynamics' BigDog may have already been replaced by the beefier LS3, but that doesn't mean it's totally obsolete. Today the company unveiled a version of the quadruped equipped with an arm where a head (or tail) would go. As can be seen in a slightly disquieting video, it's powerful enough to lift and toss a heavy cinder block. Key to this work, funded by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, is that BigDog uses the dynamic forces of its whole body to help it throw the cinder block. It begins by taking several steps to the side before quickly accelerating as it swings its arm, temporarily launching itself into the air in the process. This approach is similar to the way an athlete winds up before throwing a discus, for example, and greatly enhances the robot's throwing power. Since few robots are as capable as BigDog when it comes to balance, it's an excellent platform to test these sorts of strenuous actions."

6 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. An interesting future by Servercide · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Considering the military is preparing for a future of cyber warfare. I find it interesting that we are willing to put war fighters into suits that assist with body movements. You know they will have connectivity eventually. I mean, what if the Chinese hack into the systems that control these suits. They would have a whole battalion playing twister in no time :)

  2. Re:Disquieting indeed by Servercide · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Anyone think about the giant dog from Half Life?

  3. Re:Ob. Brockman by ByOhTek · · Score: 3, Funny

    Ath leath ith juth hith your footh...

    --
    Self proclaimed typo king, and inventor of the bear destroying coffee table (patent not pending).
  4. Re:The Terminator by bev_tech_rob · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Yes, but those machines are securely bolted to the floor and have maximum leverage. They weren't walking on legs at the same time and have to deal with balancing themselves whilst throwing the block..

    --
    You're messin' with my Zen Thing, man.....
  5. Re:That isn't an arm. by pushing-robot · · Score: 4, Funny

    I firmly believe that the US military's focus on monotheistic cultures, coupled with the USMC and DARPA's involvement in Boston Dynamics, points to a vast and intricate conspiracy, facilitated by the US government, to engineer a scenario where CNN will one day show people running through the streets amidst screams of "Oh My God! Ponies!"

    Honestly, it's a textbook Illuminati hazing ritual.

    --
    How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
  6. Re:This thing... by Ol+Biscuitbarrel · · Score: 3, Funny

    BigDog: PLEASE PUT DOWN THE SNAUSAGE. YOU HAVE 20 SECONDS TO COMPLY.
    (drops gun)
    BigDog: YOU NOW HAVE 15 SECONDS TO COMPLY.

    what could possibly go wrong?

    FTFY