fleet-footed robot

[varek]

A bipedal robot can now outrun a human Olympian:

http://metro.co.uk/2014/06/03/this-robot-is-faster-than-usain-bolt-4748938/

Data may not be too far off in the future--or, at least, B-4!

 

[Metryq]

Hmmm, this "raptor" appears to be a lab item, only, supported by a beam. I'd be more impressed if it was "free standing" with only a tether for power and/or control. Granted, the Cheetah by Boston Dynamics also has a beam to support it, but Boston Dynamics has a number of other robots that run about on their own, climb over piles of rubble and things of that nature. Watching Big Dog recover its footing on ice after being kicked was most impressive.

Imagine letting one of those loose on Halloween night

 

[scotthm]

Data may not be too far off in the future--or, at least, B-4!

Perhaps not too far off, but very, very, very, far off.

---------------

 

[varek]

MIT is working on robotic arms that assist human arms, but that is different from a robot with arms of its own.

http://www.cnet.com/news/mit-demos-shoulder-mounted-doc-ock-robot-arms/

 

[publiusr]

I can see that used for repair work. You reach out to hold two things together, the arms take over and hold the two things in place--to free your hands up to find something to weld with.

 

[scotpens]

I can see that used for repair work. You reach out to hold two things together, the arms take over and hold the two things in place--to free your hands up to find something to weld with.

We already have that technology. It's called a "clamp."

 

[publiusr]

That is fine for the shop--but not everything that breaks does so on ground level.

 

[sojourner]

In that case you'll have to use the clamp with another technology. It's called a "table".

 

[Awesome Possum]

MIT is working on robotic arms that assist human arms, but that is different from a robot with arms of its own.

http://www.cnet.com/news/mit-demos-shoulder-mounted-doc-ock-robot-arms/

I'm upset that they went straight to Doc Ock references. That was my plan.

 

[publiusr]

In that case you'll have to use the clamp with another technology. It's called a "table".

Not if you are working at a fixed location trying to hold pipes up. Something wall mounted that has split, whee you need multiple men to hold something just so....not evey repair can be done on a table.

Now if car parts were modular, then you could extract blocks, replace with new ones, and repair the block upon the table at leisure, and switch that refurbished part out.

Until then, folks will be required to fix things in place at awkward angles...

 

[sojourner]

Now if car parts were modular, then you could extract blocks, replace with new ones, and repair the block upon the table at leisure, and switch that refurbished part out.

Until then, folks will be required to fix things in place at awkward angles...

That is exactly how an engine block is worked on now. Who the hell tries to repair an engine block with it still in the car?

 

[publiusr]

You repair bits attached to it. I've spent some time leaning over the grill trying to reach things.

Don't tell me nothing breaks out in the field, where things are at awkward angles and a second pair of hands would be nice--but two folks can't occupy the same place.

That's what I am talking about. Having that extra pair of arms that can lock in an unusual formation and done quickly--that's a good capability.