Let slip the robo dogs of war. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or DARPA showcased a robotic mule that is capable of carrying 100 pounds of gear in its first outdoor test.
Boston Dynamics' LS3 robot which looks like a giant robot dog is designed to act as robotic porter of soldiers and marines. The LS3 is designed to carry up to 400 pounds of gear and enough fuel for missions to last for a 20 mile hike for 24 hours. The LS3 robot will automatically follow a soldier using its computer vision or travel to designated locations using GPS.
"If successful, this could provide real value to a squad while addressing the military's concern for unburdening troops," said Army Lt. Col. Joe Hitt, program manager for DARPA. "LS3 seeks to have the responsiveness of a trained animal and the carrying capacity of a mule."
The LS3 can also act like a mobile charging station for soldiers to recharge batteries for their electronic devices like radios, tablets or laptops. DARPA is also planning to add hearing technology that will allow human squad members to directly interact with the LS3. The robot will follow simple spoken commands like "stop," "sit" or "come here." If testing goes well the LS3 will act like a well-trained pack mule that can follow orders and doesn't poop.
The LS3 will still face 18 months of tests starting this summer. The tests will culminated with the robot going out on field exercises with Marine and Army involvement.
Boston Dynamics' LS3 robot which looks like a giant robot dog is designed to act as robotic porter of soldiers and marines. The LS3 is designed to carry up to 400 pounds of gear and enough fuel for missions to last for a 20 mile hike for 24 hours. The LS3 robot will automatically follow a soldier using its computer vision or travel to designated locations using GPS.
"If successful, this could provide real value to a squad while addressing the military's concern for unburdening troops," said Army Lt. Col. Joe Hitt, program manager for DARPA. "LS3 seeks to have the responsiveness of a trained animal and the carrying capacity of a mule."
The LS3 can also act like a mobile charging station for soldiers to recharge batteries for their electronic devices like radios, tablets or laptops. DARPA is also planning to add hearing technology that will allow human squad members to directly interact with the LS3. The robot will follow simple spoken commands like "stop," "sit" or "come here." If testing goes well the LS3 will act like a well-trained pack mule that can follow orders and doesn't poop.
The LS3 will still face 18 months of tests starting this summer. The tests will culminated with the robot going out on field exercises with Marine and Army involvement.
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