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[Navy plans ship-based LTE for close-quarters communication]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/navy-plans-ship-based-lte-for-close-quarters-communication/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/navy-plans-ship-based-lte-for-close-quarters-communication/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/navy-plans-ship-based-lte-for-close-quarters-communication/#comments

Navy plans ship-based LTE

Bandwidth is a precious commodity on military vessels. Ships in the US Navy fleet are generating more data, but the pipe it's getting pumped through isn't getting any larger. What's more, with limited connectivity options on the table, the sea-faring military wing is missing out on all the smartphone and app store fun. Rather than turn green with envy, or turning their dress whites is for camouflage cargo pants, the Navy is beefing up its mobile tech arsenal, beginning with the U.S.S. Kearsarge, U.S.S. San Antonio and U.S.S. Whidbey Island. The ships will serve as test beds for a nautical LTE system, with a range of about 25 miles. The 4G network will serve as a localized platform for wirelessly feeding data to sailors, as well as a way for the enlisted to connect to the outside world. On the backend, the Marines are working on a new satellite broadband service that should be able to provide ships with 300 megabits of shared bandwidth. Satellite internet and off-grid LTE might induce yawns in some, but they're certainly a major part of modernizing our fighting forces. For more info, check out the source link.

Navy plans ship-based LTE for close-quarters communication originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gltemarinesmilitarymobilepostcrossnavysatellitesatellite internetSatelliteInternetus navyUsNavywargadgetThu, 24 May 2012 01:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Army spy blimp to launch within weeks: 300 feet long, $500 million, 'multi-intelligent']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/northrop-grumman-army-spy-blimp/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/northrop-grumman-army-spy-blimp/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/23/northrop-grumman-army-spy-blimp/#comments Image

It can't go faster than 34MPH and it's already a year late for its planned deployment in Afghanistan, but Northrop Grumman's Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) is now set for its maiden flight. The test run is scheduled for sometime between June 6th and 10th over Lakehurst, New Jersey, whose residents ought to be forewarned that it is not a solar eclipse or a Death Star, but simply a helium-filled pilotless reconnaissance and communications airship that happens to be the size of a football field. After floating around for a while, the giant dirigible is expected to journey south to Florida, where it'll be fitted to a custom-built gondola that will carry the bulk of its equipment, and by which time her enemies hopefully won't have come into possession of an air force.

Army spy blimp to launch within weeks: 300 feet long, $500 million, 'multi-intelligent' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2012 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanairshipballoonbigblimpdirigiblegiantheliumhugelakehurstLEMVLong Endurance Multi-Intelligence VehicleLongEnduranceMulti-intelligenceVehiclemilitarynew jerseyNewJerseyNorthrop GrummanNorthropGrummanreconnaissancespyus armyUS Army Research LaboratoryUsArmyUsArmyResearchLaboratorywargadgetWed, 23 May 2012 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Laser-toting MAV can find its way in tight spaces, might eventually hunt you down (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/laser-toting-mav-can-find-its-way-in-tight-spaces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/laser-toting-mav-can-find-its-way-in-tight-spaces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/laser-toting-mav-can-find-its-way-in-tight-spaces/#comments Image

A perpetual weakness of MAVs (micro air vehicles) is their frequent need for hand-holding in anything other than a wide-open or very controlled space. If they're not using GPS or motion sensors to find their locations, they can't turn on a dime the way a human pilot would. Adam Bry, Abraham Bachrash and Nicholas Roy from MIT's CSAIL group haven't overcome every problem just yet, but they may have taken combat drones and other pilotless aircraft a big step forward by giving them the tools needed to fly quickly when positioning isn't an option. Uniting a laser rangefinder with an existing 3D map of the environment -- still 'cheating,' but less dependent -- lets the prototype flyer find the distance to nearby obstacles and steer clear even at speeds that would scare any mere mortal MAV. Ideally, future designs that can create their own maps will be completely independent of humans, making us think that MIT's references to "aggressive" autonomous flight are really cues to start hiding under the bed.

Continue reading Laser-toting MAV can find its way in tight spaces, might eventually hunt you down (video)

Laser-toting MAV can find its way in tight spaces, might eventually hunt you down (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftairplaneairplanesautonomousautonomous flying robotsautonomous vehiclesAutonomousFlyingRobotsAutonomousVehiclesCSAILdronedroneslaserlasersmavmicro air vehicleMicro Air VehiclesMicroAirVehicleMicroAirVehiclesmitRangeFinderrobust robotics groupRobustRoboticsGroupvideowargadgetThu, 17 May 2012 06:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy looks into UV cloak for stealth aircraft]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/navy-uv-cloak-for-stealth-aircraft/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/navy-uv-cloak-for-stealth-aircraft/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/navy-uv-cloak-for-stealth-aircraft/#comments Navy looks into UV cloak for stealth aircraft

The Navy's invested good money in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which obscures radar waves and redirects engine heat to evade recognition by infrared sensors. But that stealth flier is still vulnerable to another type of detection: UV sensors. The Pentagon recently began soliciting proposals to develop a device that cloaks aircraft from ultra-violet detection systems. The hope is that such a technology could shield aircraft from missile seekers that scan the sky for telltale "UV silhouettes." According to the call for research, the solution could involve a device that disperses a cloud of quantum dots or other materials to veil jet fighters in a shapeless mass of UV shadow. Given that this is a rather daunting task, it's not surprising that the development timeframe and projected cost are still up in the air.

Navy looks into UV cloak for stealth aircraft originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftF-35JointStrikeFighterjetjet fighterJetFighterjetsjoint strike fighterJoint Strike Fighter programJointStrikeFighterJointStrikeFighterProgrammilitarymilitary researchmilitary techmilitary technologiesmilitary technologyMilitaryResearchMilitaryTechMilitaryTechnologiesMilitaryTechnologynavynavy researchNavyResearchpentagonresearchus militaryus navyUsMilitaryUsNavyuvUV cloakuv raysUvCloakUvRayswar gadgetWarGadgetThu, 10 May 2012 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army gets picky, solicits smart feed ammo system for machine guns and auto cannons (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/us-army-solicits-smart-feed-ammo-system-for-machine-guns/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/us-army-solicits-smart-feed-ammo-system-for-machine-guns/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/us-army-solicits-smart-feed-ammo-system-for-machine-guns/#comments Army gets picky, solicits smart feed ammo system for machine guns and auto cannons

War! Huh! What is it good for? Stuff like smart bullet-feeding systems, apparently. See, the US Army isn't quite satisfied with the mixed ammo feed it currently uses with weapons like the helicopter-mounted M230 chain gun. Instead, it wants its machine gunners to be able to freely switch and pick their ammo of choice -- whether it be incendiary rounds or precision-guided smart bullets -- to better match conditions on the field. So the Army is using another weapon in its arsenal -- good, old tax dollars -- to solicit proposals for a smart bullet-feeding system. Initial project goals include near real-time inventorying of ammo, a fire rate of 300 rounds per minute and a selection accuracy rate of 95 percent. Yeah, it's no freaking railgun or tactical laser system. But at least the feeding system can also be used for more peaceful pursuits, like dispensing medical vials or emergency supplies (not via machine gun, of course). In the meantime, folks who want to see a demo of the system's not-so-peaceful applications can check out the video after the break.

Continue reading US Army gets picky, solicits smart feed ammo system for machine guns and auto cannons (video)

US Army gets picky, solicits smart feed ammo system for machine guns and auto cannons (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armyauto cannonAutoCannonmachine gunMachineGunmilitarysmart ammosmart bullet systemsmart bulletssmart feed systemSmartAmmoSmartBulletsu.s. armyU.s.ArmyUS Armyvideowargadgetweaponweapon systemWeaponSystemWed, 02 May 2012 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LASR: behind the curtain of the Navy's robotics laboratory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/lasr-behind-the-curtain-of-the-navys-robotics-laboratory/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/lasr-behind-the-curtain-of-the-navys-robotics-laboratory/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/lasr-behind-the-curtain-of-the-navys-robotics-laboratory/#comments Image

I don't know all that much about the Naval Research Laboratory when I arrive in DC for "the public's first opportunity to look inside" the space's new $17 million Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (LASR). I give the cab driver the address, and he casually tells me that it "stinks," illustrating this notion with a universally familiar hand gesture. He means it literally, too - that you can smell the place, simply driving by in a cab, with the windows up. He says this with such assurance, such gusto, that I fully expect it to smell like the city dump. A wall of stink.

It's not much to go on, but it's something. And while I can thankfully report that his reaction was a bit overstated - at least on this particular day - there's certainly a distinct odor to the place. It's a sprawling 130-acre complex that sits sandwiched between the 295 freeway and the waters of the Potomac River; a series of nearly identical big, white buildings facing inward toward a grassy courtyard. On the way in, a space with what appears to be crushed cars is visible from the freeway.

Continue reading LASR: behind the curtain of the Navy's robotics laboratory

LASR: behind the curtain of the Navy's robotics laboratory originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomouslasrlucasnavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyrobotroboticsus navyUsNavywargadgetwashington dcWashingtonDcTue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Trace gadget bags dodge 'digital exploitation,' schadenfreude]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/zero-trace-gadget-faraday-bags-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/zero-trace-gadget-faraday-bags-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/zero-trace-gadget-faraday-bags-on-sale/#comments zero trace faraday bagFaraday bags? Oh, yeah. For the sleuthing shyster in your life, Escape the Wolf has a new range of gadget cases that are engineered with one primary purpose: to avoid technical surveillance, mobile phone tracking and remote digital exploitation. As it turns out, these guys have been lurking undercover for just over a month now, but it looks as if they're now on sale to the masses -- civilians included. The Zero Traces line can hold both laptops and phones alike, with each piece capable of shielding GSM / CDMA, WiFi and Bluetooth devices from being "remotely exploited." The pain? Between $24.99 and $199.99, and you can part ways with varying levels of cash right there in the source link.

Zero Trace gadget bags dodge 'digital exploitation,' schadenfreude originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bagcasefaradaylaptop bagLaptopBagnavynavy sealNavySealprivacysecuritysurveillancewargadgetwolfWolf Zero TraceWolfZeroTracezero traceZeroTraceWed, 18 Apr 2012 01:52:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to comply]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/#comments US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to complyWar. What is it good for? Well, if new use of technology by the US Navy has anything to do with it, finding Pirates for a start. By upgrading its existing Fire Scouts with new 3D laser imaging tech, it's hoped that the drones will be able to recognize the small ships used by these unscrupulous seafarers. The system, known as LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging, also known as LADAR) uses millions of laser pulses reflected off an object to create the three-dimensional image, which could then referenced against known pirate ships from a database. Ultimately, human operators will make the final call, to avoid any ED-209 style mis-understandings. That said, if you're taking the dingy out past the Californian breakwaters this summer, you might want to keep the stars and stripes in clear view, as that's where the Navy will be running its initial trials.

US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to comply originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d image3dImagearmydefensedroneFire ScoutFireScoutLADARlaserLIDARmilitaryMQ-8MQ-8 Fire ScoutMq-8FireScoutMQ-9navypiratesreaperrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseuacuavunmanned aerial vehicleunmanned aircraftUnmannedAerialVehicleUnmannedAirUnmannedAircraftus navyUsNavywargadgetSun, 08 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army grants HP $249 million contract to deploy private cloud services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/us-army-grants-hp-249-million-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/us-army-grants-hp-249-million-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/us-army-grants-hp-249-million-contract/#comments ImageHP is in the Army now. Today, the Palo Alto company announced that it has received a $249 million contract to provide the Department of Defense and other federal agencies with enterprise level cloud computing services. The new initiative will allow the military to consolidate its existing data centers, and the services will be deployed to a number of commercial and government-owned buildings. HP will also provide the military with Performance-Optimized Data Centers (PODs) for quick deployment into tactical situations. Under the terms of the Army Private Cloud contract, HP will work with ten small businesses and Alabama A&M University to help actualize the private cloud and its requirements. We can only assume that Meg Whitman is glad to start out the month with a bit of walking-around money. You'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading US Army grants HP $249 million contract to deploy private cloud services

US Army grants HP $249 million contract to deploy private cloud services originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armyArmy Private Cloud contractArmyPrivateCloudContractcloudcloud computingCloudComputingcontractdepartment of defenseDepartmentOfDefenseenterprisehpmilitaryus armyUsArmywarwargadgetTue, 03 Apr 2012 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/conductive-fabrics-may-power-future-infantry-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/conductive-fabrics-may-power-future-infantry-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/conductive-fabrics-may-power-future-infantry-gear/#comments Conductive uniforms may power future infantry gear, set to begin field trials next monthIf you thought your Sunbeam electric blanket or those Hello Kitty foot warmers were advanced pieces of kit, then you'd best divert your eyes from this story out of the UK. In an effort to eliminate the mess of power cables and extraneous batteries from a soldier's tech gear, one British company is currently experimenting with conductive fabrics as the basis for future military uniforms. The material is able to deliver power to any number of devices -- all from a single battery -- and also features a redundancy aspect, with the ability to reroute power should the fabric become torn or damaged. The company, known as Intelligent Textiles, recently received a £234,000 grant from the Ministry of Defense and hopes to begin field trials of its equipment next month. While these high tech uniforms may see a limited military issue by year's end, it's thought unlikely that the gear will become widespread until 2014 or beyond.

Conductive fabrics may power future infantry gear, uniforms set to enter field trials originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conductivefabricintelligent textilesIntelligentTextilesmilitaryMinistry of DefenseMinistryOfDefenseukuniformwarwargadgetTue, 03 Apr 2012 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/us-navy-autonomous-robot-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/us-navy-autonomous-robot-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/us-navy-autonomous-robot-facility/#comments Image All the fun of the desert and the rainforest from the (relative) comfort of home? Sign us up. That's the promise offered by the admittedly awesomely named Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (that's LASR, for you abbreviators out there), first announced last month. The robotics lab, housed in a $17.7 million building at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC, offers up around 50,000 square feet, a portion of which is aimed at reproducing some of the Earth's more extreme ecosystems to test out naval robotics. The facility is home to firefighting robots, swimming 'bots and hydrogen fuel cell-powered unmanned aircrafts, to name but a few.

The Naval Research Laboratory opened the doors of the massive facility up to members of the media today, and Engadget was on-hand along with a moderate sized gathering of fellow reporters. Included in the tour were two simulated environments. The Tropical High Bay is designed to mimic rainforest terrain, with flowing water, fog and climate controlled temperature and humidity. The Desert High Bay is a bit let complex in its environmental simulation, limited to a sand pit, rock way, and adjustable light, smoke and wind.

Meanwhile, an on-site indoor pool is used to challenge aquatic vehicles. Testers demonstrated the Pectoral Fin Swimmer - an autonomous bot inspired by the biological movements of fish, in order to access areas not reached by more traditional propel driven robots. Also on hand was Lucas, a Mobile, Dexterous, Social (MDS) humanoid robot [pictured above] with a Segway base. The laboratory demonstrated how the robot was capable of reasoning in a simulated firefighting scenario - and, equipped with an extinguisher, was capable of putting out a very real fire on the floor of the facility.

We'll have a more in-depth tour of the facility in the near future. In the meantime, check out a sneak-peek of what we saw in the gallery below.

Gallery: US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility

US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility

Continue reading US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility

US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomouslasrlucasnavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyrobotroboticsus navyUsNavywargadgetwashington dcWashingtonDcMon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/darpa-envisions-disposable-seeme-satellites/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/darpa-envisions-disposable-seeme-satellites/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/darpa-envisions-disposable-seeme-satellites/#comments DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissanceA new project from DARPA could successfully bring satellites to the same throwaway status as paper cups and Charlie Sheen's income (#winning). At $500,000 a pop, the orbitals would hardly be chump change, but the Pentagon insists these airborne systems could provide reconnaissance within 90 minutes of deployment and would deliver valuable tactical information to areas not covered by current satellites. Known as SeeMe, the systems would be launched in groups of 24 -- which equates to a $12 million cluster -- and would remain in orbit for 60 to 90 days, at which point they'd burn up upon atmospheric re-entry. Currently, DARPA is seeking contractors that can manufacture the systems rapidly at low costs, which can also "develop advanced technologies for optics, power, propulsion and communications to keep size and weight down." It's said to further discuss the project at a March 27th event known as Proposers' Day. In the meantime, we're going to hit the junkyard and see what we can cobble together.

DARPA envisions disposable SeeMe satellites for on-demand reconnaissance originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darpamilitarypentagonreconnaissanceresearchsatelliteseemewarwargadgetThu, 15 Mar 2012 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Pain Gun vs. Reporter round two, reporter left feelin' hot, hot, hot (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/pain-gun-vs-reporter-two/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/pain-gun-vs-reporter-two/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/pain-gun-vs-reporter-two/#comments
You may not recall when 60 Minutes' David Martin took a shot at the Pain Gun, but it didn't end well for the fleshy anchorman. Now Wired's Spencer Ackerman's having a go, with similarly one-sided results. The Pentagon's sanguinely-named Active Denial System turns electricity into millimeter-wave radio frequency, silently pumping out 95GHz of searing hot agony from distances of 2,500 feet. The project's still got a few issues, namely that it takes 16 hours to boot up, uses a heck of a lot of energy and stops working if it's raining, snowing or dusty. But, you know, it'll be back when the air clears up, and you probably don't want to be around when it arrives. If you'd like to see the score go 2-0 to the weaponized microwave, head on past the break.

Continue reading Pain Gun vs. Reporter round two, reporter left feelin' hot, hot, hot (video)

Pain Gun vs. Reporter round two, reporter left feelin' hot, hot, hot (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Active Denial SystemActiveDenialSystemAir ForceAirForceArmyMicrowaveMilitaryPain GunPain RayPainGunPainRayPentagonRaytheonSpencer AckermanSpencerAckermanvideoWargadgetWiredTue, 13 Mar 2012 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT software optimizes paths for automated undersea vehicles (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/mit-software-optimizes-paths-for-automated-undersea-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/mit-software-optimizes-paths-for-automated-undersea-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/mit-software-optimizes-paths-for-automated-undersea-vehicles/#commentsSo, there's good news and bad news. The former is that MIT researchers have developed new software and methods that can predict optimal paths for automated underwater vehicles. The latter is that it's meant to be used for "swarms" of them, "moving all at once toward separate destinations." We hate to be the folks that keep harping on the inevitable, but teaching "swarms" of undersea robots how to effectively draw paths to the very creators that made them makes us... well, less that cozy. Paranoia aside, the Pierre Lermusiaux-led team has concocted a system that can provide paths optimized either for the shortest travel time or for the minimum use of energy, or to maximize the collection of data that is considered most important. The goal? To make the lives of gliders more efficient when engaged in "mapping and oceanographic research, military reconnaissance and harbor protection, or for deep-sea oil-well maintenance and emergency response." Oh, and did we mention that it can incorporate obstacle-avoidance functions for the sake of protection. Yeah. Death from above below.

Continue reading MIT software optimizes paths for automated undersea vehicles (video)

MIT software optimizes paths for automated undersea vehicles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AUVglidermilitarymitMSEASoceanPierre LermusiauxPierreLermusiauxresearchscienceuavunderwater vehicleUnderwaterVehicleuniversityvideowargadgetMon, 12 Mar 2012 04:39:00 EST<![CDATA[SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/#comments It took six years, but at long last, Anna Konda has a formidable firefighting partner. SAFFiR, also known as the Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot, is being shaped by scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory. As the story goes, it's a humanoid robot that's being engineered to "move autonomously throughout the ship, interact with people, and fight fires, handling many of the dangerous firefighting tasks that are normally performed by humans." Outside of being stoic (and brawny) from tip to tip, it's also outfitted with multi-modal sensor technology for advanced navigation and a sensor suite that includes a camera, gas sensor, and stereo IR camera to enable it to see through smoke. We're told that its internal batteries can keep it cranking for a solid half-hour, while being capable of manipulating fire suppressors and throwing propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT) grenades. Wilder still, it'll be able to balance in "sea conditions," making it perfect for killing flames while onboard a ship. Of course, it's also being tweaked to work with a robotic team, giving it undercover powers to eventually turn the flames on the folks that created it. Paranoid? Maybe. But who are we to be too careful?

Update: Turns out, the same Dr. Hong that we had on The Engadget Show is responsible for this guy as well. It's the next step in evolution of the CHARLI humanoid, and the two photos seen after the break are credited to RoMeLa: Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory, Virginia Tech.

Continue reading SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot

SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireFirefightinggrenadehumanoidmilitarynavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyNRLPEATresearchrobotsafetySAFFiRscientistscientistsShadwellshipboardUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniaususaVirginia TechVirginiaTechwarwargadgetSun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot's 'throwable' 110 FirstLook bot gets drafted into the military (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/irobots-throwable-110-firstlook-bot-gets-drafted-into-the-mil/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/irobots-throwable-110-firstlook-bot-gets-drafted-into-the-mil/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/irobots-throwable-110-firstlook-bot-gets-drafted-into-the-mil/#comments

There's something pretty damn appealing about a controllable robot that can be hurled through a window and live to tell the tale. It looks like the military brass agree; The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) has ordered over 100 of iRobot's 110 FirstLook scouting units. Unsurprisingly, these robots are tougher than your garden variety RC vehicle. Aside from managing our desperate throws, these can survive 15-foot drops, self-right, relay radio communication over a digital mesh network and feed back video from its four built-in cameras. After a year of internal testing, the bots will get their first on-the-job trial in an "operational assessment" later this spring. Check out the (military) man-toy in action right after the break.

Continue reading iRobot's 'throwable' 110 FirstLook bot gets drafted into the military (video)

iRobot's 'throwable' 110 FirstLook bot gets drafted into the military (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>110 first look110FirstLookbotfirstlookirobotirobot 110irobot 110 firstlookIrobot110Irobot110FirstlookJIEDDOJoint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat OranizationJointImprovisedExplosiveDeviceDefeatOranizationmilitarymilitary orderMilitaryOrderrobotvideowargadgetTue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy test-fires weaponized railgun with explosive results (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/railgun-test-fire-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/railgun-test-fire-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/railgun-test-fire-video/#comments
You're about to watch a test firing of BAE's experimental railgun demonstrating why the technology isn't science fiction anymore. Load an aluminum projectile into the 12-meter barrel and one million amps will hypersonically propel it toward the target. The conflagration you'll witness is due to the metal slug burning off in the charged air. In April, General Atomics will supply its own prototype so the military can identify which one is closer to making its way aboard the battleships of the 2020's. Anyway, now you can go watch the video fully aware of what's going on, try not to sit there with your mouth open.

Continue reading Navy test-fires weaponized railgun with explosive results (video)

Navy test-fires weaponized railgun with explosive results (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAE SystemsBaeSystemsElectromagnetic Rail GunElectromagneticRailGunGauss CannonGaussCannonGeneral AtomicsGeneralAtomicsMilitaryNavalNavyRail GunRailgunUS NavyUsNavyVelocitas EradicoVelocitasEradicovideoWargadgetWeaponWeapon SystemWeaponSystemWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Harris new rugged tablet brings Honeycomb to your local combat-zone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/harris-rf-3590/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/harris-rf-3590/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/harris-rf-3590/#comments Harris makes the tough tech you'd expect to see census takers (leave it), NFL stadiums and public buses toting around. It's introducing a new 7-inch Android tablet that's so hard-as-nails it would make a Galaxy Tab go home and call its mother. The Harris RF-3590 packs a 1024 x 600 multitouch display, a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU, 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM, 2 and 8-megapixel front and rear-facing cameras and comes running Honeycomb. There's plenty of connection options with the usual WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth supplanted by a cellular connection, Ethernet, HDMI, SD and USB holes. It'll come with a 64GB SSD as standard but you can upgrade it to 128GB if you've got the moolah. Designed for soldiers in the battlefield, when stealth isn't necessary you can even activate voice control and bark your orders into the pair of microphones included. There's no word on pricing or availability, presumably because if you want to pick one of these up, you probably need to be called "General," and not just because you're good at Starcraft.

[Thanks, Mike]

Continue reading Harris new rugged tablet brings Honeycomb to your local combat-zone

Harris new rugged tablet brings Honeycomb to your local combat-zone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 3.2Android 3.2 HoneycombAndroid3.2Android3.2HoneycombGoogleHarrisHarris CorpHarris RF-3590Harris Tactical CommunicationsHarrisCorpHarrisRf-3590HarrisTacticalCommunicationsHoneycombRF-3590Rugged TabletRuggedizedRuggedized TabletRuggedizedTabletRuggedTabletTabletWarWargadgetWargadgetsThu, 23 Feb 2012 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/#comments In a fevered mash up of blockbuster films directed by James Cameron, DARPA is looking to put soldier controlled bi-pedal robots on the battlefield. Think Terminator meets Avatar. The agency has set aside $7 million of it's $2.8 billion 2012 budget to develop an "Avatar program" that will "develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier's surrogate." DARPA isn't talking about simple remote control rigs, either -- these 'bots are being designed to clear rooms, and facilitate sentry control and combat casualty recovery. The new budget also sets aside $4.1 million to design laser countermeasures to protect military weapons, well, lasers -- ensuring that the future's robot soldiers will be nigh indestructible when they rebel against their human hosts.

DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armautonomousavatardarpahandhandsmachinesmilitaryrobotrobot apocalypserobot avatarRobotApocalypseRobotAvatarrobotssurrogatesurrogate soldiersSurrogateSoldiersterminatorwargadgetSun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA planning high-speed wireless for soldiers in the field]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/darpa-planning-high-speed-wireless-for-soldiers-in-the-field/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/darpa-planning-high-speed-wireless-for-soldiers-in-the-field/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/darpa-planning-high-speed-wireless-for-soldiers-in-the-field/#comments UAVDARPA has its hands and, more importantly, its money in just about everything. Weapons, robots, thermal sensors -- it's a staple of the scientific community. But, it's also a military agency with basic needs, like internet access. The research group's newest project doesn't carry heavy loads (unless you're weighing your cargo in kilobytes) and can't break the sound barrier, but it should be able to deliver 4G speeds to even the most remote of battlefields. DARPA has $11.8 million set aside for its Mobile Hotspots program which will use millimeter-wave signals to deliver high-speed data connections to dismounted soldiers, forward-operating bases and tactical centers. Most importantly, each node in the network extends its range building out a mesh that isn't reliant on existing infrastructure. For more details hit up the PR after the break.

Continue reading DARPA planning high-speed wireless for soldiers in the field

DARPA planning high-speed wireless for soldiers in the field originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gDARPADefense Advanced Research Projects AgencyDefenseAdvancedResearchProjectsAgencymilitaryMillimeter WaveMillimeterWavemobile hotspotsMobileHotspotswargadgetwirelesswireless networkingWirelessNetworkingThu, 16 Feb 2012 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy ship-mounted railgun closer to reality, Raytheon and others to make it happen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-navy-ship-mounted-railgun-built-by-raytheon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-navy-ship-mounted-railgun-built-by-raytheon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-navy-ship-mounted-railgun-built-by-raytheon/#comments Ah, the railgun. Previously a flight of fancy fit only for wars in works of science fiction, the ultimate in electromagnetic weaponry is one step closer to becoming a reality for the US Navy. We've seen the system working well in the lab, but Raytheon has just gotten $10 million to create the pulse-forming network needed to get a railgun flinging projectiles off the deck of a Naval warship. Making such a network isn't easy, as it must store massive amounts of energy in a small enough package that it can be "used in a modular and versatile way for multiple platforms" -- so that some day, even dinghies will have 33-megajoule stopping power on board. In addition to Raytheon's pulse-forming framework project, the Navy has already tasked BAE and General Atomics to design tactical technologies that'll get future railguns firing up to ten rounds per minute. When can we expect to see such kinetic weapons on the high seas? The goal is 2025, but naturally, finances and politics will dictate its date of deployment, so keep your fingers crossed it's sooner, rather than later.

US Navy ship-mounted railgun closer to reality, Raytheon and others to make it happen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electromagnetic rail gunElectromagneticRailGungaussgauss cannonGaussCannonnavyrail gunRailGunraytheonus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetweaponsweapons systemWeaponsSystemMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: futuristic AMELIA aircraft (theoretically) soars through NASA wind tunnel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/amelia-airplane-nasa-test-future-flight/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/amelia-airplane-nasa-test-future-flight/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/amelia-airplane-nasa-test-future-flight/#comments It's the Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics, and it's the brainchild of many, many intelligent beings planted at California Polytechnic State University. The aircraft has been in design courtesy of a grant from NASA, touting engines above the wings and the ability to achieve shockingly short takeoffs and landings. And did we mention it looks sexier than a freshly-washed 787? Yeah.

Continue reading Visualized: futuristic AMELIA aircraft (theoretically) soars through NASA wind tunnel

Visualized: futuristic AMELIA aircraft (theoretically) soars through NASA wind tunnel originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved AeroacousticsAdvancedModelForExtremeLiftAndImprovedAeroacousticsair forceAirForceairplaneameliafuturemilitarytesttestingtransportationtunnelususaVisualizedwargadgetwind tunnelWindTunnelMon, 30 Jan 2012 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[IED attack simulator prepares US soldiers prior to Afghan deployment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/ied-attack-simulator-prepares-soldiers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/ied-attack-simulator-prepares-soldiers/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/ied-attack-simulator-prepares-soldiers/#comments A new simulation exercise is now in place for US troops at the Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center near Edinburgh, Indiana. Built primarily from off-the-shelf components, the system is designed to better prepare soldiers for the physical and psychological challenges of IED attacks, which are currently the number one threat to military personnel stationed in Afghanistan. Situated inside a mounted vehicle and positioned in front of a large screen, service members are exposed to jarring explosions, smoke, noise and poor visibility -- all common occurrences of IED assaults. The system records the entire nightmarish scenario, which allows participants to review their performance and learn from their mistakes.

For soldiers who've never been to Afghanistan, the simulator will also be used to familiarize troops with the war zone terrain and other situations they may encounter along the way. Just how realistic is the IED simulation? According to Spc. Darren J. Ganier-Slotterbeck, "I deployed in 2005, 2007 and 2008 with the Marines. I've been blown up multiple times, and it definitely brought back memories. I was a little shaky when I got out of that thing. I'm not going to lie." He went on to say, "If we'd had the ability to go through training like this at the time, those deployments would have been a lot different." Sounds scary. We're not going to lie.

IED attack simulator prepares US soldiers prior to Afghan deployment originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armed forcesArmedForcesarmyatterburybattlebattlefieldcamp atterburyCampAtterburyiedimprovised explosive deviceImprovisedExplosiveDevicemilitarymilitary techMilitaryTechsimulationsimulatortacticalus armyUsArmywarwargadgetWed, 04 Jan 2012 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[It's not a flying fish, it's a submarine-launched UAV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/its-not-a-flying-fish-its-a-submarine-launched-uav/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/its-not-a-flying-fish-its-a-submarine-launched-uav/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/its-not-a-flying-fish-its-a-submarine-launched-uav/#comments VTOL may be old news already, but here's another great USP for any UAV: the ability to launch from a submerged submarine. The technology is still in development, but the Navy wants to try it from periscope depth during exercises in the Pacific Ocean next year. If all goes to plan, a Switchblade folding-wing drone will be ejected from the submarine's trash disposal unit and then carried to the surface by an SLV ('submerged launch vehicle'), which will keep it dry, point it into the wind and then hurl it heavenwards so it can go a-snooping. Whether the experiment succeeds or fails, we've glimpsed a worrying possibility: submarines are capable of dumping their trash right into the ocean. Until now, we sort of assumed they took it home with them.

It's not a flying fish, it's a submarine-launched UAV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AeroVironmentAeroVironment SwitchbladeAerovironmentSwitchbladedronemilitarymilitary exerciseMilitaryExerciseNavyRaytheonrimpacRIMPAC 2012Rimpac2012SLVspy planeSpyPlanesubmarinesubmerged launch vehicleSubmergedLaunchVehicleSwitchbladeUAVunderwaterunmanned aerial vehicleUnmannedAerialVehiclewargadgetWed, 28 Dec 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army's A160 Hummingbird drone-copter to don 1.8 gigapixel camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/us-armys-a160-hummingbird-drone-copter-to-don-1-8-gigapixel-cam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/us-armys-a160-hummingbird-drone-copter-to-don-1-8-gigapixel-cam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/us-armys-a160-hummingbird-drone-copter-to-don-1-8-gigapixel-cam/#comments Starting in July of 2012, the United States Army will deploy three Boeing A160 Hummingbird drones to Afghanistan as part of a one-year trial program. Unlike the Predator drones already in combat, the A160 is a rotor-based aircraft capable of vertical take-offs and landings. What's more, the craft will be affixed with the DARPA-developed ARGUS-IS imaging system -- which boasts a 1.8 gigapixel camera the Army says can "track people and vehicles from altitudes above 20,000 feet." The A160 Hummingbird platform will provide the Army with the ability and flexibility to: take off and land without a runway; fly for twelve hours or more without refueling; and monitor up to 65 enemies of the State simultaneously. Test flights of the unmanned chopper are scheduled for early 2012 in Arizona, but residents hoping to get a glimpse of the A160 in action best have great eyesight -- the ARGUS-IS system can see targets from almost 25 miles down range. Oh, and don't forget to smile when you look up. You want to look your best for the eye in the sky, right?

US Army's A160 Hummingbird drone-copter to don 1.8 gigapixel camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.8 gigapixel1.8GigapixelA160a160 hummingbirdA160HummingbirdARGUSargus-isarmedArmyDARPAdroneforcesgigapixelhelicopterStatesUAVUnitedUnited StatesUnitedStatesunmanned aerial vehicleUnmannedAerialVehicleus armyUsArmyvertical takeoff and landingVerticalTakeoffAndLandingvtolVTOL-UASwargadgetTue, 27 Dec 2011 23:34:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA to develop biometric sensor capable of seeing through walls, pulling your heartstrings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/darpa-to-develop-biometric-sensor-capable-of-seeing-through-wall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/darpa-to-develop-biometric-sensor-capable-of-seeing-through-wall/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/darpa-to-develop-biometric-sensor-capable-of-seeing-through-wall/#comments The feds may soon know the way to your heart. Literally. Earlier this month, the forward-thinkers over at DARPA announced plans to develop new technologies capable of identifying human life through walls. The program, known as "Biometrics-at-a-distance," would essentially combine two pre-existing Pentagon projects: the Radar Scope, a device that can see through walls, and 2009's LifeReader, a system that uses Doppler radar to detect heartbeats. Though the military already employs a handful of devices to help soldiers see humans from behind walls, DARPA apparently thinks there's room for improvement. Most contemporary technologies, for example, only work from a maximum distance of eight meters, and aren't as accurate within more densely populated areas. DARPA wants its next project to extend this range beyond ten meters, while sharpening its ability to penetrate thicker obstructions. The agency also wants its sensor to identify individual humans using electrocardiography, which traces the heart's electrical activity. According to DARPA, this could allow users to pinpoint up to ten people at the same time, which could pay dividends during disaster rescue efforts, military operations, or your next Eyes Wide Shut party.

DARPA to develop biometric sensor capable of seeing through walls, pulling your heartstrings originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armybiometricbiometric IDBiometricIdbiometrics at a distanceBiometricsAtADistanceconceptDARPAelectrocardiographyfederalfedsgovernmentheartheartbeathumanlifereadermilitarypentagonprojectradarradar scopeRadarScopescansensortechnologywallswarwargadgetMon, 21 Nov 2011 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA tests advanced hypersonic weapon prototype, makes railgun sweat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/darpa-tests-advanced-hypersonic-weapon-prototype-makes-railgun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/darpa-tests-advanced-hypersonic-weapon-prototype-makes-railgun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/darpa-tests-advanced-hypersonic-weapon-prototype-makes-railgun/#comments

The US Army completed testing of its hypersonic weapon yesterday, launching a test projectile across the Pacific Ocean. The glider flies at a lower trajectory than typical missiles, traveling at several times the speed of sound, making it capable of hitting anywhere on this peaceful ball of blue and green within an hour. We saw DARPA's hypersonic aircraft's successful launch earlier this year -- the Falcon HTV-2 (pictured above) managed to hit the dizzying speed of Mach 20 during its tests, before it crashed. Despite recent military funding issues in the US government, hopefully all things hypersonic will get to fly again soon.

DARPA tests advanced hypersonic weapon prototype, makes railgun sweat originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Hypersonic WeaponAdvancedHypersonicWeaponarmyDARPAFalcon HTV-2FalconHtv-2hypersonicmilitarymissileprojectilespeed of soundSpeedOfSoundUS armyUsArmywargadgetweapon systemsWeaponSystemsFri, 18 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy's electromagnetic railgun hits testing milestone: 1,000 shots fired]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/us-navys-electromagnetic-railgun-hits-testing-milestone-1-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/us-navys-electromagnetic-railgun-hits-testing-milestone-1-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/us-navys-electromagnetic-railgun-hits-testing-milestone-1-000/#comments If there's one thing you want your multi-million dollar electromagnetic railgun to be, it's reliable, and the US Navy announced today that it's reached a key milestone towards that goal. It's now successfully fired its prototype gun 1,000 times, which translates to as many as 15 shots per week. In recent years, those tests have generally been conducted at a 1.5 megajoule launch energy, which the Navy puts into perspective by noting that "a one-ton vehicle moving at 100 mph has approximately one megajoule of kinetic energy." Eventually, the Navy hopes to install even more advanced and far more powerful railgun weapons systems on ships, although the project's future remains a bit up in the air given some recent funding battles in the US Senate.

Continue reading US Navy's electromagnetic railgun hits testing milestone: 1,000 shots fired

US Navy's electromagnetic railgun hits testing milestone: 1,000 shots fired originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electromagnetic rail gunElectromagneticRailGunnavyrail gunRailGunus navyUsNavywargadgetweaponweapon systemsweaponsweapons systemWeaponsSystemWeaponSystemsTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Sheriff's office receives weaponizable drone, alarms local news station]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/texas-sheriffs-office-receives-weaponizable-drone-alarms-local/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/texas-sheriffs-office-receives-weaponizable-drone-alarms-local/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/texas-sheriffs-office-receives-weaponizable-drone-alarms-local/#comments Ready to supersize your favorite RC helicopter and bullseye some perps with an aerial bean bag launcher? The Sheriff's office in Montgomery County, Texas is, and it's really freaking out the local news. KPRC Local 2 News feverishly asks if the Sheriff's new unmanned Shadowhawk helicopter is a safety asset, or a privacy violation -- we just think it's awesome. Built and sold by Vanguard Defense Industries, this wireless whirlybird comes equipped with a remote video camera, an infrared heat-seeking device and an onboard GPS. It's also capable of carrying weapons, although the Sheriff said that there were no plans to weaponize the UAV. The 50-pound chopper is FAA approved to help track down criminals on the run or assist swat teams in a standoff -- a blessing that should keep this police drone from being grounded. Hit the source link below see KPRC's local coverage, "Big Brother" freakout and all.

Texas Sheriff's office receives weaponizable drone, alarms local news station originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Click2HoustongpsinfraredRC helicopterRcHelicopterremoteremote controlremote UAVRemoteControlRemoteUavShadowhawkUAVVanguard Defense IndustriesVanguardDefenseIndustrieswargadgetweaponsTue, 01 Nov 2011 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mesa Robotics' mini-tank is perfectly happy on point (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/mesa-robotics-mini-tank-is-perfectly-happy-on-point-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/mesa-robotics-mini-tank-is-perfectly-happy-on-point-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/22/mesa-robotics-mini-tank-is-perfectly-happy-on-point-video/#comments The Acer ground-bot from Mesa Robotics does way more than your average 4,500-pound semi-autonomous mule. In addition to carrying kit and providing that extra bit of ballistic steel-deflecting cover, it also scans for IEDs using ground-penetrating radar and then autonomously switches into "flail" mode when it finds one -- digging up and detonating that critter with barely a break in its 6MPH stride. Did we mention it also acts as a landing pad for small drones? No? That's because the video after the break says it all. Cue obligatory guitars, game controllers and armchair gung-ho.

Continue reading Mesa Robotics' mini-tank is perfectly happy on point (video)

Mesa Robotics' mini-tank is perfectly happy on point (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acerautonomousautonomous vehicleautonomous vehiclesAutonomousVehicleAutonomousVehiclesbombbomb disposalBombDisposaldiffusedroneflailground-botIEDIEDsMesa RoboticsMesa Robotics AcerMesaRoboticsMesaRoboticsAcermilitarymini-tankroboticssemi-autonomoustankvideowargadgetSat, 22 Oct 2011 04:57:00 EST<![CDATA[IEE brings glasses-free 3D to the battlefield]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/iee-brings-glasses-free-3d-to-the-battlefield/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/iee-brings-glasses-free-3d-to-the-battlefield/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/iee-brings-glasses-free-3d-to-the-battlefield/#comments
In a war zone, having the right data is as important as the right bomb sniffing laser. IEE has melded its 4.8-inch 800 x 400 military data display with 3Ms autostereoscopic film so soldiers can see mission-critical data in three dimensions. The Preliminary Advanced Information device is designed to show accurate terrain maps, relay the picture from a drone camera or bring up the occasional blast of Monday Night Football.

Continue reading IEE brings glasses-free 3D to the battlefield

IEE brings glasses-free 3D to the battlefield originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3MIEEIEE Preliminary Advanced InformationIeePreliminaryAdvancedInformationMilitaryWargadgetFri, 14 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Giant tablet lets commanders control war with the swipe of a finger]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/giant-tablet-lets-commanders-control-war-with-the-swipe-of-a-fin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/giant-tablet-lets-commanders-control-war-with-the-swipe-of-a-fin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/giant-tablet-lets-commanders-control-war-with-the-swipe-of-a-fin/#comments America's armed forces have added some major tech to their arsenal lately, from smartphones for soldiers to giant surveillance blimps. And now, AAI has unveiled a new tool for battlefield commanders in the form of giant touchscreen tablet. Its screen is three feet by two feet and employs surveillance information to give those in charge an overhead view of a war zone that shows the position of both good guys and bad. Icons represent troops, air support, and spy drones, which are then deployed by tapping and dragging them on the touchscreen. Such input doesn't actually control battlefield assets, but it does send orders to the appropriate personnel so they can be executed, and soldiers confirm receipt of the order via instant message. The company's still trying to sell the system to the Army, but we'd imagine that such drag and drop warfare will appeal to Uncle Sam. Who knows, perhaps all those hours spent honing your Starcraft skills can soon be put to good use defending the country.

[Image credit: Spencer Ackerman]

Giant tablet lets commanders control war with the swipe of a finger originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaiarmed forcesArmedForcesarmybattlebattlefieldmilitarymilitary techMilitaryTechslatesurveillancetablettacticalus armyUsArmywarwargadgetThu, 13 Oct 2011 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[ITT unveils GhostRider encryption device capable of securing US Army smartphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/itt-unveils-ghostrider-encryption-device-capable-of-securing-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/itt-unveils-ghostrider-encryption-device-capable-of-securing-us/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/itt-unveils-ghostrider-encryption-device-capable-of-securing-us/#comments
That may look like a Motorola Atrix Dell Venue, but it's actually something known as the GhostRider -- a new encryption device that could go a long way toward securing the Army's smartphones. Developed by defense company ITT, this revamped handset would allow military personnel to transmit secure text messages and phone calls over the Army's network, even if they're out on the battlefield. All they'd have to do is place their personal phones next to the GhostRider, tap and hold its touchscreen to activate the security features and begin texting away. When another GhostRider user receives an SMS, he or she would have to enter a pass code before reading it. The phone's security mechanisms, meanwhile, have been certified by the cryptographers at the NSA, which would certainly help justify its $1,500 price tag. The handset's display, meanwhile, looks awfully similar to the Army's Nett Warrior platform -- an Android-based OS that features a host of mapping functions designed explicitly for war zones. Officials unveiled the latest incarnation of Nett Warrior at the recent Association of the US Army gala in DC, though the platform's creators are still looking for the appropriate commercial device to host it -- unless, of course, GhostRider's software replaces it altogether. "We think Nett Warrior should be something like this," ITT vice president Richard Takahashi told Wired. "This can be the smart device." March past the break for more information, in ITT's jargon-laced PR.

Update: Thanks to readers who spotted it's a Venue rather than an Atrix. Our eyes must have been temporarily scrambled by the enemy. Just to be clear -- it's not the handset that's different, only the peripheral.

Continue reading ITT unveils GhostRider encryption device capable of securing US Army smartphones

ITT unveils GhostRider encryption device capable of securing US Army smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcallcontractcryptodefenseencryptionencryption deviceEncryptionDeviceghostriderittmappingmilitarymotorolamotorola atrixMotorolaAtrixnational security agencyNationalSecurityAgencynett warriorNettWarriorNSAoperating systemOperatingSystemOSpasscodephonephone callPhoneCallsecuritysmartphonesoldierTextingUIus armyUsArmywarwar zonewargadgetWarZoneTue, 11 Oct 2011 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[This giant military spy blimp is really hard to miss]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/this-giant-military-spy-blimp-is-really-hard-to-miss/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/this-giant-military-spy-blimp-is-really-hard-to-miss/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/this-giant-military-spy-blimp-is-really-hard-to-miss/#comments
What's this spy blimp doing next to an 18-wheeler? We're not entirely sure, but it's certainly not being subtle about it. This jumbo-sized floater, codenamed "Blue Devil Block 2," measures some 370 feet in length and comprises a whopping 1.4 million cubic feet. Originally inflated in September, the definitely-not-blue Blue Devil took flight for the first time last week in North Carolina and, if all goes to plan, should head to Afghanistan by the middle of next year. The Air Force says the blimp will hover above the country for five days at a time, collecting surveillance data from 20,000 feet above the ground and transmitting its findings to US intelligence officers on the ground, via laser. When that's taken care of, it'll be used to make the biggest omelette ever.

This giant military spy blimp is really hard to miss originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>18-wheelerafghanistanAfghanistan warAfghanistanWarair forceAirForceblimpBlue Devil Block 2BlueDevilBlock2eggenormousespionagegianthugeintelligencelasermilitaryminipostspyspy blimpSpyBlimpsubtletysurveillanceUS Air ForceUsAirForcewarwar on terrorwargadgetWarOnTerrorMon, 10 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[K-MAX unmanned chopper delivers Air Force salute to Afghan danger (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/k-max-robotic-chopper-delivers-airmans-salute-to-afghan-danger/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/k-max-robotic-chopper-delivers-airmans-salute-to-afghan-danger/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/k-max-robotic-chopper-delivers-airmans-salute-to-afghan-danger/#comments It's a year since Lockheed Martin won the contract to provide an unmanned cargo delivery system to the US military and now its first K-MAX helicopter is just about ready for duty. The 6,000-pound RC chopper is scheduled to journey to the manifold fronts of Afghanistan next month, where it'll get busy ferrying its own bodyweight in ammo and supplies to needy anthills up to 200km away. And, if things get too sticky for laptop flying, there's always room for a brave soul to jump in there and grab the controls. You'll find a fresh demo video after the break, plus we've also stuck in that fancy clip from last year to rotor your memory.

Continue reading K-MAX unmanned chopper delivers Air Force salute to Afghan danger (video)

K-MAX unmanned chopper delivers Air Force salute to Afghan danger (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArmychopperhelicopterK-MAXKamanLockheedNavyRCunmannedUS ArmyUS NavyUsArmyUsNavywar gadgetwargadgetThu, 06 Oct 2011 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[New bomb-sniffing laser could be used to locate IEDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/new-bomb-sniffing-laser-could-be-used-to-locate-ieds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/new-bomb-sniffing-laser-could-be-used-to-locate-ieds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/new-bomb-sniffing-laser-could-be-used-to-locate-ieds/#commentsWe've already seen lasers with the potential to spot explosives, and now a team of researchers is focusing its beams on roadside bomb detection. Chemistry professor Marcos Dantus of Michigan State University has led the production of a laser that has the "sensitivity and selectivity" to accurately identify improvised explosive devices. This particular bomb-sniffing laser emits short pulses that make molecules vibrate and longer pulses used to "listen" to the resulting "vibrational cords," these so-called cords are used to distinguish telltale molecules from the harmless sort. The research is being funded in part by the Department of Homeland Security. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading New bomb-sniffing laser could be used to locate IEDs

New bomb-sniffing laser could be used to locate IEDs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombbomb detectionBombDetectionbombsdetectionexplosiveexplosivesiedimprovised explosive deviceImprovisedExplosiveDevicelaserlasersMarcos DantusMarcosDantusMichigan State UniversityMichiganStateUniversityMSUwar gadgetWarGadgetMon, 19 Sep 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[BAE's infrared invisibility cloak makes tanks cold as ice, warm as cows]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/baes-infrared-invisibility-cloak-makes-tanks-cold-as-ice-warm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/baes-infrared-invisibility-cloak-makes-tanks-cold-as-ice-warm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/baes-infrared-invisibility-cloak-makes-tanks-cold-as-ice-warm/#comments
Warfare's constantly evolving. Daylight battles became late-night duels, and pre-noon skirmishes shifted to sundown slaughters -- some might say we're just getting lazy, but either way, thermal imaging now plays quite the vital role. Now BAE and the FMV -- Sweden's equivalent to DARPA -- have a way to mask the heat signature of heavy machinery. Adaptiv is a wall of 14 centimeter panels that monitor the ambient heat and match it, so it can't be picked out from the background radiation. The tech can also be used to replicate the profiles of other things -- you know, like a spotted calf or a Fiat 500. BAE believes the tech is scaleable for buildings and warships, the only downside being that all future commanders will have to make sure their operations are finished before dawn. Wouldn't want your soldiers to see that five o'clock (AM) shadow, now would we?
[Thanks, Rob]

BAE's infrared invisibility cloak makes tanks cold as ice, warm as cows originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAEBAE SystemsBaeSystemsDefenseFörsvarets MaterielverkFörsvaretsMaterielverkFMVHeat ImagingHeat SignatureHeatImagingHeatSignatureInfra-Red CloakInfra-redCloakInvisibilityInvisibility CloakInvisibilityCloakThermal CloakThermal ImagingThermal SignatureThermalCloakThermalImagingThermalSignatureWargadgetWargadgetsMon, 05 Sep 2011 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA harvests energy from cyborg beetles to keep them brainwashed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/darpa-harvests-energy-from-cyborg-beetles-to-keep-them-brainwash/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/darpa-harvests-energy-from-cyborg-beetles-to-keep-them-brainwash/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/darpa-harvests-energy-from-cyborg-beetles-to-keep-them-brainwash/#comments
Beetles packing cybernetic implants that control their brains make a cheaper and more useful micro-air-vehicle than a fully robotic one -- but due to the weight of the battery packs required, development has been slow. Now a DARPA-funded team at the University of Michigan thinks it's eliminated that problem. By attaching piezoelectric generators to each wing, the researchers can harvest the energy generated in flight and use it to juice the mind-control circuits. At present, the system generates about half the energy the team thinks it can produce, as innovations in ceramic production of the miniature devices should solve that. An experimental robotics project in competition with a cyborg one? This all feels a bit too RoboCop for us.

DARPA harvests energy from cyborg beetles to keep them brainwashed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CyborgCyborg BeetleCyborgBeetleDARPAEthem Erkan AktakkaEthemErkanAktakkaHanseup KimHanseupKimKhalil NajafiKhalilNajafiMAVMAVsMicro Air VehicleMicro Air VehiclesMicroAirVehicleMicroAirVehiclesUniversity of MichiganUniversityOfMichiganWargadgetThu, 01 Sep 2011 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Lockheed Martin's SMSS autonomous vehicle wins Army competition, ships off to Afghanistan (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/lockheed-martins-smss-autonomous-vehicle-wins-army-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/lockheed-martins-smss-autonomous-vehicle-wins-army-competition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/lockheed-martins-smss-autonomous-vehicle-wins-army-competition/#commentsThe US military's fleet of unmanned vehicles may soon get some extra support, now that Lockheed Martin's Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) has received the Army's official blessing. Designed to support infantry squads or special ops forces, the company's autonomous craft was recently crowned the winner of the Army-sponsored Project Workhorse Unmanned Ground Vehicle competition, after more than a decade of development. Measuring 11 feet in length, the SMSS is capable of transporting more than 1,000 pounds of equipment over rugged terrain, and features a set of onboard sensors that can automatically track individuals by recognizing their 3D profiles. Both the SMSS and its Block I variant can be carried aboard CH-47 and CH-53 choppers, with the latter offering a driving range of 125 miles. Three of the beasts will deploy to Afghanistan for a three-month evaluation later this year, when they'll become the largest unmanned vehicles to ever deploy with infantry. Shoot past the break for a video tour of the SMSS, along with the full press release.

Continue reading Lockheed Martin's SMSS autonomous vehicle wins Army competition, ships off to Afghanistan (video)

Lockheed Martin's SMSS autonomous vehicle wins Army competition, ships off to Afghanistan (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanAfghanistan warAfghanistanWardeploymentevaluationinfantrylockheed martinLockheedMartinmilitaryProject Workhorse Unmanned Ground VehicleProjectWorkhorseUnmannedGroundVehicleSMSSspecial opsSpecialOpsugvunited states armyUnitedStatesArmyunmanned ground vehicleUnmannedGroundVehicleus armyUsArmyvideowarwar gadgetWarGadgetwargadgetsMon, 08 Aug 2011 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Cam-wielding RC car used to investigate roadside bomb, saves lives in Afghanistan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/cam-wielding-rc-car-used-to-investigate-roadside-bomb-saves-liv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/cam-wielding-rc-car-used-to-investigate-roadside-bomb-saves-liv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/08/cam-wielding-rc-car-used-to-investigate-roadside-bomb-saves-liv/#comments
The US military spends billions of dollars each year beefing up wartime tech, but a low-budget hacked RC car recently served as an unlikely hero, saving six soliders' lives in Afghanistan. The home-built rig, which included a wireless security camera mounted on a Traxxas Stampede remote-controlled truck, cost about $500 when it was built in 2007. Since then, Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Fessenden has used it to locate roadside bombs, until it tripped a detonation sensor during a patrol last month, in turn saving Fessenden and fellow troops from coming head-to-head with 500 pounds of explosives. Unfortunately the RC cam didn't survive the attack, so Ernie, the solider's brother who built the first model, is currently working on a replacement. Sure, a half-grand may seem like a laughable sum compared to the Pentagon's annual budget, but if the proven gadget gets enough attention, perhaps Chinese-made toys will play a role in entertaining our kids, and protecting our troops.

Cam-wielding RC car used to investigate roadside bomb, saves lives in Afghanistan originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armycamcamcordercameracamerascamsmilitarypentagonrc carrc truckRcCarRcTruckremoteremote controlledremote-controlledremote-controlled carRemote-controlledCarRemoteControlledsecurity cameraSecurityCameraTraxxas StampedeTraxxasStampedeus armyUsArmyvideo cameraVideoCamerawargadgetMon, 08 Aug 2011 10:55:00 EST