Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics lies down with BigDog, gets giant fleas (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/boston-dynamics-lies-down-with-bigdog-gets-giant-fleas-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/boston-dynamics-lies-down-with-bigdog-gets-giant-fleas-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/boston-dynamics-lies-down-with-bigdog-gets-giant-fleas-video/#comments ImageRemember what it was like when you first fell in love with Boston Dynamics' rocky terrain traversing BigDog robot? Get ready to fall in love all over again. Meet the Sand Flea, a plucky little 11-pound robot that can jump a mind-boggling 30 feet in a single bound, while an on-board stabilization system helps make landings a bit smoother. The RC four-wheeler's development is being funded by the Army's Rapid Equipping Force. Your move, iRobot. Check out some rad video of the big-wheeled 'bot after the break.

Continue reading Boston Dynamics lies down with BigDog, gets giant fleas (video)

Boston Dynamics lies down with BigDog, gets giant fleas (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armyboston dynamicsBostonDynamicsfleajumpingleapingsandsand fleaSandFleaWed, 28 Mar 2012 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's robotic cheetah sets a land speed record racing into your nightmares (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/darpas-robotic-cheetah-sets-a-land-speed-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/darpas-robotic-cheetah-sets-a-land-speed-record/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/05/darpas-robotic-cheetah-sets-a-land-speed-record/#comments DARPA Robotic Cheetah
Sleep tight.

Continue reading DARPA's robotic cheetah sets a land speed record racing into your nightmares (video)

DARPA's robotic cheetah sets a land speed record racing into your nightmares (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boston dynamicsBostonDynamicscheetahDarpaDarpa Robotic CheetahDarpaRoboticCheetahm3Maximum Mobility and ManipulationMaximumMobilityAndManipulationrobotrobot apocalypserobot cheetahRobotApocalypseRobotCheetahrobotic cheetahRoboticCheetahrobotsvideoMon, 05 Mar 2012 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[AlphaDog robo pack-mule begins outdoor trials, noisily hikes into your nightmares]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/alphadog-robo-pack-mule-begins-outdoor-trials/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/alphadog-robo-pack-mule-begins-outdoor-trials/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/alphadog-robo-pack-mule-begins-outdoor-trials/#commentsBoston Dynamics LS3 AlphaDogBoston Dynamics' LS3, better known 'round these parts as AlphaDog, has already wowed us with a display of its stability, power and mobility. Thing is, that little clip we caught back in October took place entirely within the safe and purposefully laid out confines of a laboratory. So, the question is, what happens when you take the rather noisy quadruped outside and strap a bunch of weight to it? Well, pretty much the same thing that happened while it was nice and cozy inside -- the beast powered through the reasonably rugged terrain with nary a hitch. By the end of the tests DARPA hopes to have a mighty robotic porter capable of carrying 400 pounds of gear up to 20 miles without refueling. Though, the trek is expected to be slow and arduous as a full 24 hours is target time frame for such a journey. For full PR and to see the bot in action head on after the break.

Continue reading AlphaDog robo pack-mule begins outdoor trials, noisily hikes into your nightmares

AlphaDog robo pack-mule begins outdoor trials, noisily hikes into your nightmares originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphadogboston dynamicsboston dynamics alphadogboston dynamics bigdogBoston Dynamics LS3BostonDynamicsBostonDynamicsAlphadogBostonDynamicsBigdogBostonDynamicsLs3darpaLS3militaryRobopocalypseRobotApocalypsevideoWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics PETMAN portends the pending robot apocalypse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/boston-dynamics-petman-portends-the-pending-robot-apocalypse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/boston-dynamics-petman-portends-the-pending-robot-apocalypse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/boston-dynamics-petman-portends-the-pending-robot-apocalypse/#comments If the sight of Boston Dynamics' unstoppable Alpha Dog didn't convince you of the coming robot apocalypse, then perhaps a glimpse of its bipedal relative, PETMAN, will. Last time we saw the two-legged bot, It was walking well enough, but it lacked the humanoid visage needed to infiltrate and overthrow. In the time since, however, PETMAN has gotten a more anatomically-correct body and some arms -- giving it some push-up prowess to go with its jaunty gait. As the video below demonstrates, this robot isn't a T1000 just yet, but is seems certain PETMAN and its progeny will be running and leaping over us meatbags on the way to the top of the evolutionary food chain soon enough. So our anthropomorphic replacements are on the way, but there's no need for full-blown panic... yet.

Continue reading Boston Dynamics PETMAN portends the pending robot apocalypse

Boston Dynamics PETMAN portends the pending robot apocalypse originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-stbipedbipedalboston dynamicsBostonDynamicshumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotpetmanrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypserobotsvideowalkwalkerwalkingMon, 31 Oct 2011 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics Alpha Dog makes Alyx Vance's pet look like a toy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/boston-dynamics-alpha-dog-makes-alyx-vances-pet-look-like-a-toy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/boston-dynamics-alpha-dog-makes-alyx-vances-pet-look-like-a-toy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/02/boston-dynamics-alpha-dog-makes-alyx-vances-pet-look-like-a-toy/#comments
Boston Dynamics' BigDog is one of our favorite insane-level DARPA projects; a robotic pack-mule that can carry 400 pounds of kit for troops. At some point, the Massachusetts mechanics decided the bot would be far better if it was the size of a bull, or, you know, an SUV. The Alpha Dog loses the un-stealthy buzzing noise of its predecessor, has a range of 20 miles and can take much more punishment. If you check out the video after the break, you'll see two people unsuccessfully attempt a takedown on the monster -- Half-Life 2 diehards might experience a combat flashback at the mere sight of it. AT-AT Jr is expected to see field testing sometime next year when it won't have a test bed of rocks to contend with, but the US Marines. Mark our words: we expect 'em to appear in every nightmarish dystopia of the 2020s, and take a starring role in the forthcoming Robopocalypse.

Continue reading Boston Dynamics Alpha Dog makes Alyx Vance's pet look like a toy (video)

Boston Dynamics Alpha Dog makes Alyx Vance's pet look like a toy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpha DogAlphaDogAlyx VanceAlyxVanceAt-ATBig DogBigDogBoston DynamicsBoston Dynamics LS3BostonDynamicsBostonDynamicsLs3DARPADogHalf-Life 2Half-life2Military RobotsMilitaryRobotsRobopocalypserobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseUS MarinesUsMarinesvideoSun, 02 Oct 2011 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics Cheetah and Atlas robots get DARPA funding, getting ready to find you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/boston-dynamics-cheetah-and-atlas-robots-get-darpa-funding-gett/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/boston-dynamics-cheetah-and-atlas-robots-get-darpa-funding-gett/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/boston-dynamics-cheetah-and-atlas-robots-get-darpa-funding-gett/#commentsOkay, so it may not look quite as impressive as some other mechanical cheetahs Okay, so it may not look quite as impressive as some other mechanical cheetahs we've seen in the past, but this new one from Boston Dynamics certainly has a lot of potential. That robot, plus a new humanoid called Atlas, have won DARPA contracts and so will be put into at least limited production, much like the company's earlier BigDog. Cheetah is said to run "faster than any existing legged robot and faster than the fastest human runners," while Atlas can "move through difficult terrain using human-like behavior," meaning neither running nor hiding will work. That leaves only fighting, so get ready to buck up.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Boston Dynamics Cheetah and Atlas robots get DARPA funding, getting ready to find you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlasboston dynamicsBostonDynamicscheetahdarpadefensefundedfundingrobotTue, 01 Mar 2011 03:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics PETMAN predicts the future of man as pet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/boston-dynamics-petman-predicts-a-future-of-man-as-pet-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/boston-dynamics-petman-predicts-a-future-of-man-as-pet-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/boston-dynamics-petman-predicts-a-future-of-man-as-pet-video/#comments At this stage of its development, PETMAN is here to assist mankind. However, it's clearly fated to be weaponized as an AT-ST walker in support of Imperial ground forces. For the time being anyway, this biped humanoid is being built by Boston Dynamics to test military suits used to protect soldiers in chemical warfare. As an evolutionary advance from its four-legged BigDog platform, PETMAN does the ol' heel-toe at a healthy 3.2 MPH (5.14 KPH) and packs enough balancing intelligence to remain upright even when given a shove from the side. Check out the action after the break.

[Via Make]

Continue reading Boston Dynamics PETMAN predicts the future of man as pet (video)

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Boston Dynamics PETMAN predicts the future of man as pet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-stbigdogbipedboston dynamicsBostonDynamicshumanoidpetmanrobotwalkwalkerwalkingTue, 27 Oct 2009 03:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Precision Urban Hopper leaps over fences, makes enemies cringe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/video-precision-urban-hopper-leaps-over-fence-makes-enemies-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/video-precision-urban-hopper-leaps-over-fence-makes-enemies-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/video-precision-urban-hopper-leaps-over-fence-makes-enemies-cr/#comments
It's only been a few months since we heard from the whiz kids over at Boston Dynamics, and honestly, we've been waiting on pins and needles to see what miracle would emerge from its labs next. Said outfit has just been awarded a contract by Sandia to build the next generation of the Precision Urban Hopper, which will be a four-wheeled jumping robot that can navigate autonomously. When it rolls into battle, it'll also be equipped with a single jumping leg, giving it the ability to hop over fences, giant humans, Gort or anything else that's 25 feet tall. Best of all, testing and delivery is scheduled for late 2010, so if you were planning on getting on our bad side, you should probably have a look at the video past the break. Chances are you'll be second guessing that urge.

[Via TG Daily]

Gallery: Precision Urban Hopper leaps over fence, makes enemies cringe

Continue reading Video: Precision Urban Hopper leaps over fences, makes enemies cringe

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Video: Precision Urban Hopper leaps over fences, makes enemies cringe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boston DynamicsBostonDynamicscombatdarpafunnyjumpingjumping robotJumpingRobotmilitaryPrecision Urban HopperPrecisionUrbanHopperrobotSandiavideowarTue, 15 Sep 2009 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics-designed RiSE V3 robot climbs poles, haunts dreams]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/boston-dynamics-designed-rise-v3-robot-climbs-poles-haunts-drea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/boston-dynamics-designed-rise-v3-robot-climbs-poles-haunts-drea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/boston-dynamics-designed-rise-v3-robot-climbs-poles-haunts-drea/#comments
The folks at Boston Dynamics have already made quite a name for themselves in the world of creepy robotics, but it looks like they're not ones to keep all their know-how to themselves, and they've now lent the University of Pennsylvania's Kod*lab a hand with this new RiSE V3 pole-climbing robot. That, as you've no doubt surmised, is a followup to RiSE V1 and V2, which were developed without the help of Boston Dynamics and were more suited to climbing flat surfaces than poles. In addition to a vastly different leg mechanism, this latest model also makes use of some brushless DC motors that increase the power density to let it climb poles at rates up to 22cm per second, which the researchers say make it well-suited for a wide range of tasks. As you can see for yourself in the video after the break, the bot mostly seems to work remarkably well, although it's obviously not quite ready to tackle critical jobs all by itself just yet.

[Via Hacked Gadgets]

Continue reading Boston Dynamics-designed RiSE V3 robot climbs poles, haunts dreams

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Boston Dynamics-designed RiSE V3 robot climbs poles, haunts dreams originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boston dynamicsBostonDynamicskod labKodLabpole climbing robotpole-climbing robotPole-climbingRobotPoleClimbingRobotriserise v3rise version 3RiseV3RiseVersion3robotuniversity of pennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniaThu, 14 May 2009 00:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot that can jump twenty-five feet in the air coming to the US military]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/robot-that-can-jump-twenty-five-feet-in-the-air-coming-to-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/robot-that-can-jump-twenty-five-feet-in-the-air-coming-to-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/robot-that-can-jump-twenty-five-feet-in-the-air-coming-to-the-us/#comments Boston Dynamics -- which previously made a robot called the BigDog -- has been enlisted by Sandia National Laboratories (a US government-funded lab) and DARPA to make a new, hopping robot. Called the Precision Urban Hopper, the robot's goal will be to be capable of jumping over large obstacles in city combat situations. It will boast one extremely tough leg to assist it, in addition to its four wheels. The Hopper is supposedly going to be able to jump 25 feet in the air once completed. So far, only a very small prototype (pictured above) is finished, but Boston Dynamics is due to present its next model sometime during 2010.

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Robot that can jump twenty-five feet in the air coming to the US military originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BigDog is probably our favorite DARPA-sponsored quadrupedal robot, capable of prancing across the terrain for 24 hours straight while carrying 400 pounds of equipment on its back. Don't let that light-footed trot fool you, though -- this thing's a killer. Need proof? Check out this video courtesy of Boston Dynamics, who affixed a pair of rather pronounced bull horns onto the thing's front and sent it charging at what looks like an unfortunate audio engineer. Thanks to a flourish of red he escaped unscathed. Olé!

[Via Gizmodo]

Continue reading Video: BigDog turned into BigBull (with BigHorns)

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Video: BigDog turned into BigBull (with BigHorns) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigdogboston dynamicsboston dynamics bigdogBostonDynamicsBostonDynamicsBigdogquadrupedrobotWed, 18 Mar 2009 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot "dog" crosses obstacles, lacks head]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/robot-dog-crosses-obstacles-lacks-head/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/robot-dog-crosses-obstacles-lacks-head/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/20/robot-dog-crosses-obstacles-lacks-head/#comments
To be honest, we're not sure if Boston Dynamics decision to not include a head on its so-called "LittleDog" makes the bot more or less creepy, but it sure is pretty darn impressive either way. It's claim to fame, and the result of $1.5 million in funding from DARPA, is its ability to cross harsh terrain with relative ease, relying on an array of sensors that measure joint angles, body orientation, and foot/ground contact. As you can see in the video after the break, the whole system appears to work remarkably well, with the bot only encountering a few minor hiccups during its rock-climbing adventure. No word on any future plans for the bot just yet, but with DARPA behind it, we're guessing it'll be attracting some slightly different owners than its robot canine companions.

[Via SlashGear]

Update: We overlooked this at first, but it turns out LittleDog isn't Boston Dynamics' first foray into headless robot dogs, with the company's BigDog also able to climb hills, and carry a 120 pound load to boot.

Continue reading Robot "dog" crosses obstacles, lacks head

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Robot "dog" crosses obstacles, lacks head originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boston dynamicsBostonDynamicsdarpalittledogrobotrobot dogRobotDogThu, 20 Sep 2007 16:53:00 EST