Robotic 'Pack Mule' with Impressive Reflexes 268
moon_monkey writes "New Scientist has a story about a nimble, four-legged robot that can recover its balance even after being given a hefty kick." From the article: "The project is sponsored by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), who want the robotic pack mule to assist soldiers in terrain too tough for vehicles. Ground-based soldiers often need to carry 40 kilograms of equipment. Raibert says the latest version of BigDog can handle slopes of 35 - a steeper gradient than one in two. The hydraulics are driven by a two-stroke single-cylinder petrol engine, and it can carry over 40 kg, about 30% of its bodyweight. The robot can follow a simple path on its own, or can be remotely controlled."
Re:Why not just use ... a live mule? (Score:5, Funny)
Your Tax Dollars at Work (Score:5, Funny)
WHERE'S OSAMA?
M.U.L.E. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Hefty Kick? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Why not just use ... a live mule? (Score:3, Funny)
Neat, but needs a muffler. (Score:3, Funny)
However, that thing desperately needs a muffler--is anybody else having flashbacks to "Dumb and Dumber"?
"Hey, you guys want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?"
Re:Why not just use ... a live mule? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Why not just use ... a live mule? (Score:4, Funny)
That's an AT-AT.
And... (Score:2, Funny)
And our solders can eat the mule. I'll bet the robotic one doesn't taste good even with barbecue sauce.
Re:Video of the robot (Score:1, Funny)
Man, that just gave me the best idea ever. Chuck Norris vs. Asimo. This Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, at the Arco Arena; buy your tickets now!
AniMules (Score:2, Funny)
Then they kicked us, and it started...
Re:Why not just use ... a live mule? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Why not just use ... a live mule? (Score:3, Funny)
Yes it can. The hard part is switching it on again.
It's not only useful... (Score:3, Funny)
Oh my god! (Score:2, Funny)