The Future Is Here Today...Robots, Genetics, AI, Longevity, Singularity

From Petman to Dexter, Bipedal Humanoid Robots Come of Age

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by Keith Kleiner on October 27th, 2009

petman-robotWhoa!  I am totally blown away by the just released video of Boston Dynamics’ Petman bipedal humanoid robot (check it out later in this post).  Bipedal humanoid robots have been in earnest development for the last decade, and there are several pretty solid success stories out there already.  But now Boston Dynamics, maker of the famous Big Dog robot,  has jumped into the ring in a big way with its Petman.  The field of bipedal humanoid robots is literally exploding before us.

With Petman’s ability to withstand a a decent kick or hit from the side while walking it is clear that robots are now capable of balance and control that nearly matches a human on flat terrain.  In the next decade we can expect bipedal humanoid robots to conquer more than flat terrain, and also to bump up their speed to full out running.  Robots that not only  match, but exceed human ability to walk and run in your lifetime?  Yes – that is assuming you have another 10, maybe 20 years ahead of you!

First lets just cut to the video and save the commentary for after:

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Military Surveillance Bot Jumps Over 25 Foot Walls

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by Aaron Saenz on September 21st, 2009
This little robot can jump 25 feet in the air!

This little robot can jump 25 feet in the air!

Holy crap that’s cool! Earlier this week, Sandia National Labs debuted a four wheeled surveillance bot the size of a shoe box that can navigate urban environments by jumping walls. And not just those dinky chain fences with razor wires, we are talking 25 foot high urban bunkers leaped in a single bound. The Precision Urban Hopper uses a powerful piston-leg to launch itself into the air up to 30 times in a mission. That’s a lot of wall-jumping. Check out the short but awesome video. Thanks to BotJunkie for providing the slow-motion replay.

The Precision Urban Hopper was developed at Sandia as part of DARPA’s plans to help minimize soldier casualties in urban warfare . By leaping into battle, the Hopper can relay a view of the battle field back to soldiers so they won’t have to leave cover. That’s a great way to save lives and may be adopted by domestic law enforcement and homeland security as well as armed forces overseas. DARPA plans on having the robot available for testing and delivery starting at the end of 2010.

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MIT Helps Little Dog Navigate Rough Terrain

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by Aaron Saenz on September 15th, 2009
MIT is teaching Little Dog new tricks in navigation.

MIT is teaching Little Dog new tricks in navigation.

Sometimes robot videos just make me laugh. CSAIL at MIT has been working with Boston Dynamics’ robot Little Dog, helping it navigate rough terrain in novel ways. The scrappy quadruped can dynamically shifts its weight on two legs at a time, helping it climb slopes and stairs, and generally get around.And as soon as Little Dog gets where it’s going, it promptly flops down on its belly much like a real canine. The careful steps followed by exhausted collapse gets me every time. Check out the video from BotJunkie below, and look towards the end (1:44) to see for yourself.

Little Dog’s journey is part of Phase 2 of DARPA’s Learning Locomotion Program. As those who read our War 2.0 story know, a larger version of the robot, aptly named Big Dog, is being bred to work as a mule for soldiers in the field. That bot can haul loads and keep walking even after a hefty kick (see its video below). The navigating and stepping routines that CSAIL teaches Little Dog are going to be directly portable over to Big Dog.
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