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Innovation

Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

By Lyndsey Gilpin June 1, 2015, 1:18 PM PDT

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Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

MIT Cheetah Robot

MIT Cheetah Robot

This terrifying thing will be at the DARPA robotics challenge finals. It can run at 22 km/h and jump hurdles.

Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Darpa Trials winner

Image: DARPA

Darpa Trials winner

Team SCHAFT’s S1 robot finished first in the December 2013 DRC Trials

Image: DARPA
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Controlling the robots

Image: DARPA

Controlling the robots

From a removed location, operators at the DRC Trials controlled their robots.

Image: DARPA
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Cyborg moths

Image: CNET

Cyborg moths

In 2009, DARPA made hybrid biological and electric insects — a cyborg moth, for instance. The latest iteration had an electrode inserted into the actual living pupae when it was in its cocoon. As it developed, wires were incorporated into its body. Yeah, I’m cringing, too.

 SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: CNET
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Competition

Image: DARPA

Competition

An artist’s concept of robots competing in the challenge.

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: DARPA
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T)

Image: DARPA

Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T)

The DARPA website states: “GXV-T seeks to investigate revolutionary ground-vehicle technologies that would simultaneously improve the mobility and survivability of vehicles through means other than adding more armor, including avoiding detection, engagement and hits by adversaries.”

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: DARPA
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Atlas Unplugged

Image: Boston Dynamics

Atlas Unplugged

At least seven teams at the DARPA finals will be using Atlas Unplugged, this bipedal robot developed by Google-backed Boston Dynamics. The thing can stand up on its own, climb stairs, and walk around. A thought: What are the chances it could ride that MIT cheetah?

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: Boston Dynamics
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO)

Image: DARPA

Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO)

This is to improve sniper effectiveness by allowing better rifle accuracy. The 50-caliber round and sighting technology was developed to extend the range during day and night.

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: DARPA
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Z Man

Image: DARPA

Z Man

These “gecko gloves” allow a human to scale vertical walls. DARPA developed them for people fighting in urban terrain.

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: DARPA
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

AlphaDog

Image: Boston Dynamics

AlphaDog

Guess what? There are TWO robot cheetahs being developed by DARPA. This one is out of Boston Dynamics. AlphaDog can run at up to 30 mph, and uses a hydraulics pump to launch.

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: Boston Dynamics
screen-shot-2015-06-01-at-4-35-22-pm.png
screen-shot-2015-06-01-at-4-35-22-pm.png
Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

EATR system rendering

Image: DARPA

EATR system rendering

EATR is a robot that obtains its own fuel by consuming plants, or, stealing fuel from other sources. DARPA is working with Elbit Systems to develop this autonomous vehicle that can sustain itself.

 SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: DARPA
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By Lyndsey Gilpin
Lyndsey Gilpin is a former Staff Writer for TechRepublic, covering sustainability and entrepreneurship. She's co-author of the book Follow the Geeks.
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