You might remember the Boston Dynamics AlphaDog from previous posts here on Geeky Gadgets, as well as the Cheeta Robot we featured last week that set a new personal best record running at over 28mph.
Well, Boston Dynamics has now released a new video of their latest AlphaDog in action. AlphaDog has been designed to carry large amounts of gear over rough ground. Watch the video after the jump to see the latest AlphaDog in action.
AlphaDog’s Capabilities and Design
As you can see from the video, AlphaDog still has some way to go to become a stealthy team member and sounds like a chainsaw as it runs up to 5mph across the rough terrain. Despite the noise, the robot’s design is quite impressive. AlphaDog, also known as the Legged Squad Support System (LS3), is engineered to carry up to 400 pounds of equipment and travel 20 miles without needing to refuel. This makes it an invaluable asset for military operations, where carrying heavy loads over long distances can be a significant challenge.
Boston Dynamics explains:
“We’ve refined the LS3 platform and have begun field testing against requirements of the Marine Corps,” said Army Lt. Col. Joe Hitt, DARPA program manager. “The vision for LS3 is to combine the capabilities of a pack mule with the intelligence of a trained animal.”
Field Testing and Future Improvements
The field testing mentioned by Lt. Col. Joe Hitt is crucial for the development of AlphaDog. These tests help identify areas where the robot can be improved, such as noise reduction and terrain adaptability. The goal is to make AlphaDog as efficient and reliable as possible, ensuring it can operate in various environments without compromising the mission.
One of the key aspects of AlphaDog’s development is its ability to navigate autonomously. Using advanced sensors and algorithms, AlphaDog can follow a leader, avoid obstacles, and even respond to voice commands. This level of autonomy reduces the burden on human soldiers, allowing them to focus on their primary tasks while AlphaDog handles the heavy lifting.
In addition to its military applications, AlphaDog has the potential to be used in various other fields. For example, it could be employed in disaster relief operations, where it could carry supplies to areas that are difficult for humans to reach. It could also be used in agriculture, helping farmers transport heavy loads across their fields.
The development of AlphaDog is part of a broader trend towards the use of robotics in various industries. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more robots like AlphaDog being used to perform tasks that are too dangerous, difficult, or tedious for humans. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances safety by reducing the need for humans to be exposed to hazardous conditions.
Source: Darpa
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