- Reaction score
- 34
- Points
- 560
Military robot 'hops' over walls
Video footage has been released of a robot that can leap over obstacles
more than 7.5m (25ft) high (23 sec, see above link).
Most of the time, the shoebox-sized robot - which is being developed for
the US military - uses its four wheels to get around. But the Precision Urban
Hopper can use a piston-actuated "leg" to launch it over obstacles such
as walls or fences.
The robot could boost the capabilities of troops and special forces engaged
in urban warfare, say researchers. The programme is being funded by Darpa,
the US military's research arm.
Earlier this year, Sandia National Laboratories awarded the contract to build
the next generation of the hopper to Massachusetts-based robotics firm Boston
Dynamics. Researchers at Sandia have tried out the robot on a variety of
different surfaces. The semi-autonomous, GPS-guided gadget could be used
for surveillance in urban environments. Its developers say this could potentially
reduce troop casualties.
Testing and delivery of the Precision Urban Hopper is planned for late 2010.
Video footage has been released of a robot that can leap over obstacles
more than 7.5m (25ft) high (23 sec, see above link).
Most of the time, the shoebox-sized robot - which is being developed for
the US military - uses its four wheels to get around. But the Precision Urban
Hopper can use a piston-actuated "leg" to launch it over obstacles such
as walls or fences.
The robot could boost the capabilities of troops and special forces engaged
in urban warfare, say researchers. The programme is being funded by Darpa,
the US military's research arm.
Earlier this year, Sandia National Laboratories awarded the contract to build
the next generation of the hopper to Massachusetts-based robotics firm Boston
Dynamics. Researchers at Sandia have tried out the robot on a variety of
different surfaces. The semi-autonomous, GPS-guided gadget could be used
for surveillance in urban environments. Its developers say this could potentially
reduce troop casualties.
Testing and delivery of the Precision Urban Hopper is planned for late 2010.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8102972.stm
