Photos: 12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on

Darpa Trials winner

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

Image: DARPA

Controlling the robots

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

Image: DARPA

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

Competition

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

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

Image: DARPA

Drones

DARPA developed System of Systems Integration Technology and Experimentation to basically overhaul US military air power. This way, they can build open systems for drone and missile development.

SEE: 5 things to know about the DARPA Robotics Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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