Military Robot to jump 25 FT in air!!!!

[motherpuncher22]

I thought you guys should see this if you haven't allready... pretty scary to me.


http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227075.500-jumping-robot-to-bounce-into-military-service.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news



 Jumping robot to bounce into military service

    * 08 May 2009
    * Magazine issue 2707. Subscribe and get 4 free issues.
    * For similar stories, visit the Weapons Technology Topic Guide

HOPPING robots may soon find a role in the American military.

Sandia National Laboratories' prototype Urban Hopper can leap 8 metres vertically to clear walls or fences. Now robot maker Boston Dynamics has been given the job of producing a military version with a bit more self-control.

The programme is funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which says it wants the hopper for urban reconnaissance and intelligence gathering - although it admits it could also be fitted with a raft of weapons.

Driven by an electric motor, Sandia's shoebox-sized prototype rolls along on wheels. It jumps using a gas piston which is powered by methylacetylene and nitrous oxide. But its leaps so far are pretty haphazard. "The existing hoppers do not maintain a stable orientation during hops, but tumble randomly," says DARPA spokesman Mark Peterson.

The next generation of hoppers should be able to jump up stairs or leap through open windows. Boston Dynamics are due to deliver the improved hopper in late 2010. Under a programme called Future Combat Systems, the Pentagon wants one third of its forces to be robotic by 2015.

[TelepesT]

Dont forget the PETMAN robot



PETMAN - BigDog gets a Big Brother 
PETMAN is an anthropomorphic robot for testing chemical protection clothing used by the US Army. Unlike previous suit testers, which had to be supported mechanically and had a limited repertoire of motion, PETMAN will balance itself and move freely; walking, crawling and doing a variety of suit-stressing calisthenics during exposure to chemical warfare agents. PETMAN will also simulate human physiology within the protective suit by controlling temperature, humidity and sweating when necessary, all to provide realistic test conditions.

Natural, agile movement is essential for PETMAN to simulate how a soldier stresses protective clothing under realistic conditions. The robot will have the shape and size of a standard human, making it the first anthropomorphic robot that moves dynamically like a real person.

The development program has a 13 month design phase followed by a 17 month build, installation and validation phase, with delivery of the robot taking place in 2011. Boston Dynamics' partners for the program are Midwest Research Institute (MRI), Measurement Technology Northwest, Smith Carter CUH2A (SCC) and HHI Corporation who will construct the chamber. The work is being done for the US Army PD-TESS

[ramallamamama]

I hope no baboons were hurt during development.

[deconstructmyhouse]

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/in_the_know_are_we_giving_the

[chrsswtzr]

I hope no baboons were hurt during development.

roflmao 

[JBS]

I wonder how much money is being wasted on this bonus for defense contractors?  Another stupid worthless toy that will cost millions and produce NOTHING!