BigDog
Mar 6

BigDog

We’ve talked about walking machines before; here’s another one — BigDog, from Boston Dynamics. BigDog appears to be designed for the military to act as a mechanical pack mule, able to carry 120lbs over rough terrain at a decent walking speed.

It’s kind of amazing to watch the video of the thing in action; the movement of the legs reminds me of how a deer or antelope walks. In a couple of spots in the video someone gives the thing a kick to try and knock it off balance. It staggers a bit but keeps going. Truly amazing! It’s not clear what is used to guide the thing, whether it’s remote control or some sort of proximity following system or what. There are no wires attached to it in most of the video.

Boston Dynamics also has some smaller walking robots, like the LittleDog. BigDog seems to be the one with the most potential for practical use. I wonder though how well it would scale up. Maybe to the size of an AT-AT? Who knows.

by Dave   March 6, 2006 8:51 AM    |   Follow Gadgetopia on Twitter

Comments

by Mike,   March 6, 2006 9:07 PM  

Not exactly designed for stealth missions is it?

by Deane,   March 6, 2006 9:27 PM  

That really is amazing. Strange to watch -- it's so...lifelike, sort of.

by ,   March 6, 2006 10:51 PM  

Not exactly designed for stealth missions is it?

Indeed; they still have a bit of work to do on the muffler system first. That or put a little nuclear reactor in it.

by Brian,   March 6, 2006 11:47 PM  

It is amazing but kinda creapy too. The legs look very life like.

by Brian,   March 6, 2006 11:50 PM  

It is LOUD I wouldn't want to try and sneak up on the enemy with that thing anywhere near me. It would be awesome to carry ammo and MRE's but unless they can silence that motor or whatever it is i don't think it will be on the frontline soon.

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