George Rebane
On these pages we have been following the remarkable technological advances in all-terrain walking pack robots of the Big and Little Dog programs (here). The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is funding this program at Boston Dynamics, the development contractor. Alpha Dog is the latest generation in this program, and shows a mule sized mechanical critter that is designed to carry a 400 pound payload (horses are “comfortable” carrying about 250 lbs). The video shows off the progress to date.
I will really get excited when they strap a power pack into this beast that makes it totally autonomous for carrying such loads over rough terrain for hours. The energy density required of such a power source will challenge current designs. (Anyone ever wonder how R2-D2 and his little buddy of Star Wars fame were powered. They were autonomous and never needed recharging, refilling, or a change of whatever made them go. Alpha Dog could do with one of those.) More here on Alpha Dog from the IEEE report, and we look forward to the release of the videos of humanoid robots doing similar tasks over rough terrain.
H/T to RR reader for the tip on this latest step toward the Singularity.
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30 September 2011
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Here's Big Dog...need to work on audio stealth a little :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1czBcnX1Ww
Posted by: D. King | 30 September 2011 at 03:59 PM
Not to brag too much DaveC, but that video was posted on RR over three years ago - just follow the first link in this piece ;-)
Posted by: George Rebane | 30 September 2011 at 06:22 PM
I saw the date. You’re right about the power supply George.
Need a new innovative way to generate power; something that can be shrunk down to this level.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14763223
Posted by: D. King | 30 September 2011 at 07:28 PM
what is needed to power these systems in the field? The answer is a storm. Lightning does not have to be produced for the transferrence of power(Watts), but is welcome for this power hungry encripted receiver, called "Alpha Dog". In order to do this a simulated weather pattern must be produced. This, could power a full robotic army, and it is possible. And being done....
Posted by: spectrabei | 02 October 2011 at 01:42 PM