This terrifying thing will be at the DARPA robotics challenge finals. It can run at 22 km/h and jump hurdles.
Team SCHAFT’s S1 robot finished first in the December 2013 DRC Trials
From a removed location, operators at the DRC Trials controlled their robots.
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
An artist’s concept of robots competing in the challenge.
SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lyndsey Gilpin is a former Staff Writer for TechRepublic, covering sustainability and entrepreneurship. She's co-author of the book Follow the Geeks.
