A BigDog you can kick with impunity

[sardog1]

(NO, I'm NOT advocating cruelty to canines -- see my avatar.)

Boston Dynamics, a robotics manufacturer, has just released an amazing video of an all-terrain, pack-carrying robot called the BigDog. (Warning: Arachnophobes probably shouldn't watch this clip.) Part of the video includes a shot of a human trying to topple the device by kicking it hard, to no avail.

As the late Roy Scheider might have said to the AMC: "You're going to need a wider trail."

 

[Jay H]

Probably still wouldn't be allowed in the AMR property in the ADKs.

Jay

 

[--M.]

As the late Roy Scheider might have said to the AMC: "You're going to need a wider trail."

It doesn't seem to mind bushwhacking. I wonder how it does on exposed ledgy areas (like, say, the North Carter trail from Imp Shelter or the Blueberry Ledges on (NH's) Whiteface).

Really amazing video.

 

[Ed'n Lauky]

If it doesn't poop or chase deer they might let it into Baxter park.

 

[Tom Rankin]

It doesn't seem to mind bushwhacking. I wonder how it does on exposed ledgy areas (like, say, the North Carter trail from Imp Shelter or the Blueberry Ledges on (NH's) Whiteface).

It sure does posthole! But it's amazing! It almost looks too good to be true. Good thing you did not post this on 4/1!

 

[Shardik]

This is too funny
Thanks,Sarbigdog1 !

 

[DreamFarmer]

LMAO ! but it's cool. The sound would drive you nuts.

Someday, they'll be renting these out at the trailheads !

 

[cbcbd]

That is incredibly amazing!! Wonder how it will handle when it has rocket launchers strapped to it's sides

 

[trailbiscuit]

Teach that thing to cook, and your friendly neighborhood Hut Croo is out of work.

"Number 5 alive and welcomes you to Mizpah Spring Hut!"

 

[Woody]

I'd like to see it negotiate the trail down in to Carter Notch from the Wildcats, or the Blueberry Ledge trail.

 

[Mark Schaefer]

That is creepy. I agree the sound is annoying and reminiscent of buzzing insects. I have the urge to get a very large fly swatter.

 

[skibones]

If you were to use Big Dog to carry you pack when doing your 48 four thousand footers --would it count?? I would love someone to carry my pack when hiking!!

 

[dentonfabrics]

That's REALLY creepy. I want one.

 

[skiguy]

That is creepy. I agree the sound is annoying and reminiscent of buzzing insects. I have the urge to get a very large fly swatter.

Agreed...what does that thing run on? Sure doesn't look like Milk Bones.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

This is actually a very old device that they have been working on for many years. The video were they kick the robot I saw in the late 80's or 90's IIRC. Some other snippets in the lab are pretty old also. I remember the first time I saw it I thought that it was actually 2 people facing each other with thier bodies in the box layed over. Until I realized that the "legs" wouldn't allow human legs inside. And that even while the robots skill at walking is very impressive it is mechanical. It is a very impressive device. I belive the origin was MIT. Carnegie Mellon also did and has some very impressive robotics automation development.

Keith

 

[grouseking]

That is the creepiest, and coolest thing I have ever seen.
And has no place hiking.

But still, really neat!

grouseking

 

[Grayjay]

I saw one bushwhacking up Larry Flume. In fact,I asked it directions.

 

[skiguy]

I think there might be a few here who would like one of these for carrying certain liquid refreashments into the Backcountry

 

[bignslow]

More on this topic:

http://www.newscientist.com/blog/technology/2008/05/exoskeletons-for-sale-finally.html

I wonder if these become popular, will there be a 46 and a 46 without robotics?
It seems like it could make the lives of the various hut crews much easier.

 

[dRitter]

I want one, I can use the chainsaw attachment to eliminate the furry ones that leave dog crap all over the trails.