AutomatonBoston Dynamics has just released a brand new video of their DARPA-funded Big Dog robot. Big Dog, the older brother of the Little Dog robot we covered a while back, is meant to be a "pack mule" for soldiers some day. Behind Big Dog is some pretty cool force-controlled technology. With its quadruped gait it can regain balance if it's kicked, handle rough terrain like rocks, and climb inclines up to 35 deg.
In this new video, in addition to some footage from previous videos, you can see it handling slippery ice, slopes in deep snow, and demoing its new walking gait. About halfway through is the ice part -- this thing is better than I am at regaining balance. There's also a demo of it carrying a 340 lb load, much heavier than it has managed in the past. And I LOVE the hopping/jumping at the end.
One warning, you might want to turn off your sound, since as awesome as this guy is, the gas engine is very loud and very annoying.
Thanks, Gui!
Editor: Erico Guizzo
Contributor: Mikell Taylor
Contributor: Markus Waibel
Comments (13)
This thing frightens me.
I guess we'll see in in a horror-movie seen!
Posted by Bodo | March 19, 2008 5:36 AM
The video now has over 1.2M views on YouTube... truly amazing - and creepy. I discovered, though, that BigDog has other relatives too (besides LittleDog). RHex and RiSE are just as fascinating. Videos of the whole family can be found at: http://bigdogrobotvideos.com
Posted by Colin Carmichael | March 19, 2008 1:32 PM
How nice! and enough load capacity for a little, nice machie gun...
digusted
Knut
Posted by Knut | March 20, 2008 2:00 PM
I also find this thing creepy. The question "What hath BDI wrought?" should be the first thing it utters when they teach it to speak, moments before it tramples you, your family, and the entire neighborhood to a juicy pulp. Nice doggie!
Posted by Jaycee | March 20, 2008 3:25 PM
What fabulous opportunities these types of robots will offer us in the future. Big bugs, little bugs climbing all around, taking care of the world while we live our lives safely tuned into the ether of the web, virtual reality, and MMORPGs. Sounds like a great world to me!
Posted by KC Parsonnet | March 20, 2008 4:07 PM
My first reaction was the same reaction as 35 years ago when I saw starwars and the anamation robots.
CPU power and recover rutines are phenominal.
Working with and teaching computer technoloies for 26 years I knew it was just a matter of time. My only question is, where do I get one as a back pack partner?
Posted by Don Dunbar | March 22, 2008 2:47 PM
Being an Electrical Engineer, I am totally fascinated by this robot. I see a great future for it. However, for aesthetics something needs to be done about the sound. It reminds me of a bee.
Posted by Guy | March 23, 2008 12:21 PM
Robot mules still have to evolve so much to be as efficient as real mules...
Posted by David | March 24, 2008 8:39 AM
This is the predecessor to Metal Gear!!!!!
Posted by Solid Snake | March 26, 2008 5:19 PM
They really need to give this thing a head. That's what makes it so creepy to watch.
Posted by Sam | March 27, 2008 12:12 PM
To me, the "Dog" robot doesn't resemble a dog but a giant spider from "Arach Attack", in spite of it's only 4 legs.
It's obvious that it can be a prototype for future mars vehicles, but also war machines.
Posted by Jens Philip | April 4, 2008 9:37 AM
Great control especially during the recovery on the ice!
Posted by KNW | April 22, 2008 9:38 AM
Could you imagine a 300 lb gun on its back as it goes on automated patrol of the southern US border? No fence needed! This thing could find you in the dark!
Posted by Barrett | May 1, 2008 4:10 PM