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DARPA funds dynamic robot mule

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

DARPA (which brought us the Darth Vader like arms, read here) has funded another wickedly cool technology. This one deals with what appears to be a mechanical mule (though the creators call it big dog). The four legged robot weighs about 235 lbs and can carry a 340 lb payload. The robot can climb over rocks, handle being kicked, go up and down snowy slopes, and can even slip without falling.

The downside, it sounds like a big fly. A horrendous buzzing noise can be heard in all the clips, except for the clip in the factory. The mule can even jump over obstacles. This is crazy cool. It will probably end up helping supply troops in the front lines, but it will eventually will be available to the civilian market.

YouTube video here

- From Boston Dynamics via Gizmodo -

Comments (3)

	19-03-2008 11:27
	The buzzing is still annoying. Not much good for the military in the state it is in. Would tell anybody within a 1/2 mile that it is coming. Unless you are doing it to put fear into the hearts (and ears) of your opponent. Registered

ctan

	18-03-2008 14:58
	The Buzzing is the two cycle engine that runs the hydraulics. This thing is so cool! Registered

anil8tor

	18-03-2008 14:05
	don't miss the part where the guy tries to kick it over and when it tries to walk on ice. This is the best robot balancing i've seen so far. Registered

krusher117

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