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BOSTON DYNAMICS, THE company Google bought back in 2013, has unveiled the latest addition to its robotics collection which can scamper across rough and uneven terrain without any problems.
Nicknamed ‘Spot’, the four-legged robot weighs 73kg and is smaller than its bigger brother BigDog (108kg). Despite its name, Spot walks and runs more like a horse than a dog and is able to regain its balance after it’s been kicked or shoved.
That lightness means it’s more nimble, and it’s able to outpace its previous counterparts. While it’s not able to carry the same weight as BigDog, for example, its mobility means it’s able to climb up steps and function indoors.
When it’s not busy being kicked or outrunning larger robots, it finds some time to go jogging with a friend.
According to the makers, Spot is powered by an electric motor which uses hydraulic actuators to keep it moving. It’s able to navigate and make its way around rough terrain thanks to a sensor head.
Boston Dynamics’ main aim is to use these robots for tasks like carrying, scouting and search and rescue, but it’s probably a bad idea to start kicking it. It’s all innocent now, sure, but let’s hope future robots don’t hold it against us and are more like this.
Instead of this.
One can only hope.
Originally published 10.14am
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Google is Skynet.
It already knows everything, all it needs is to become self aware, then we’re rightly fecked.
Should we start building a time machine ?
Go see ex machine it’s mind blowing
And there’s no need to bring a pooper scooper with you.
That’s only mildly terrifying.
I watched this last night and whilst I was amazed by it, all I could think of too was Terminator 3 and Skynet. To watch those robots running and walking together is fantastic. I agree too that Google = Skynet
I had no idea robots with legs had become so nimble. Very different to any of the clumsy biped type robots I have seen from Honda and the likes.
Really cool looking. I wonder how these little guys would do being sent in to space. They look like they are better capable for a Martian landscape than a rover with little wheels.
What horsepower will the horse model be? And.. Will I get busted for riding one home locked from the pub? They might take a kick or two but will people need a driving licence to pull a trap with one and will they still need to close off the road to themselves for a race? What about the use of a whip? Will there be an ISPCR? So many questions yet about AI and animal robotics.
My Nest Thermostat just got up and walked out.
It probably got sick of you pulling at it’s knob.
Bigdog going up the hill reminds me of my wife
The earth will never be taken over by robots because of one word.. Batteries
We may be the batteries John.
Possibly the only reason we’re still here.
Anyway, all praise Google!
(I’m going for a grease monkey position)
Nuclear batteries can last pretty much forever. Ever wonder what powers the International Space Station, that’s right, a nuclear battery.
Sounds plausible but not true. The ISS is powered by the huge solar arrays, that make it visible from Earth, and for when it has no sunlight it will store power in batteries which have a lifetime of only about 6-7 years.
Kieran, the ISS is powered by the sun. The voyager spacecraft that has left our solar system is powered by plutonium. It left earth in 1976 and we are still receiving radio signals from it.
Sorry gary but ye are both wrong the ISS is powered by 18 Duracell aaa batteries that are hidden under the seat and you need a really really small Philips screwdriver to take off.
No match for my rescued Lurcher Atticus!
Yeah but does it sit in front of the fire licking it’s BIOS or drag it’s usb port across the floor with its hind legs in the air?? I think not!
Man frank. ..epic fail
These would be ideal for the terrain on the likes of Mars were the rocky ground and deep sand have caused problems to the other rovers.
Headline ordinal = 607 Reduced 6+0+7 = 6+7 =13
Weight difference between both dogs = 35 Reduced 3+5 = 7
Number count in full text reduced = 70 drop the zero = 7
Ahh Frank , you were so close to converting me with your numerology conspiracy theories then you go an feck it all up. 3 + 5 = 8 (not 7), I’m devastated :(
When skynet does become self aware, I hope it forgives these acts of cruelty towards their pets.
Boston Dynamics had developed a larger one with the same capabilities before been bought by google. Yahoo it and see. Scary stuff. They built it years ago.
So…. roboot then reboot?
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