Robo-Doggie's New Pal
Defense Tech loves robots, of course. But our favorite of 'bot of all is the four-legged mechanical pack mules known as the BigDog. We've been barking about the robo-fido, ever since it was a sketch on a drawing pad.
So imagine the joy at Defense Tech HQ when we learned that there was a new puppy in the mechanical litter -- a second BigDog. The two bots were running around Marine Corps Air Station New River recently -- along with an exoskeleton-clad marine and a new trauma pod.
The roboteers at Boston Dynamics have been training the 165-pound, two-and-a-half foot-tall BigDogs to carry gear for soldiers and marines over uneven terrain. So far, they've gotten the pooches to "run at a rate of 3.3 mph, climb a 35 degree slope and carry a 120 pound load," according to Marine Corps News. The bots have proved sturdy enough to take a big kick, and keep on walkin'.
Maybe it's this sturdiness that's inspiring some to think about the BigDogs are most than just mechanical beasts of burden. This article -- and take this a can of salty Alpo -- says Darpa "is considering plans such as weaponizing the BigDog robots."
Down, boy. Down.
(Big ups: BB)
Donkeys have this problem. It's called stubbornness.
These devices will be able to carry and fire heavy support weapons in situations that would be too dangerous for soldiers. They'll be proof against small arms fire, so they'll be able to charge into enemy areas and lay down death.
Stupid effin yanks? Look in the mirror. If it wasn't for us, you'd be wearing lederhosen right now, so shut your bad teeth.
Posted by: Bakunin at July 3, 2006 4:05 AM