Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is a robotics company based in Waltham (Massachusetts ), which conducts research and development for the U.S. military, especially in the field of autonomous mobile robot. It is considered one of the most advanced robotics company in the world.
History
Boston Dynamics was established in 1992 as a spin-off of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Marc Raibert, considered the father of the walking robot in the United States. Originally, with robotic systems, simulation software have been developed. The company has developed an international reputation through his walking robot. Including through the development of canine walking robot BigDog from 2005 or from 2012 with his cheetah -like walking robot Cheetah which settles by its balanced and very fast transition from previous models
In April 2012, DARPA announced that Boston Dynamics is to provide the only supplier to the robotic systems for the next DARPA Robotics Challenge. With a contract volume totaling 10.8 Mio.US dollar Boston Dynamics is to provide a series of humanoid robots called Atlas for the two-year competition with a prize of 2 million. The aim of the competition is the creation of autonomous robots that are designed to work in natural disasters and disasters such as the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
In the field of military research and development, the project Autonomous Robotic Manipulation (ARM) is to be classified, in the autonomous robot systems (military robot ) should be developed to give people relief can, for example in defusing bombs, mine clearance, rescue wounded and maintenance of weapons systems. Even armed systems are conceivable.
The end of 2013 was acquired by Boston Dynamics Google. The purchase is considered to be the clearest sign that Google seriously concerned with the development of autonomous robotic systems and could go into the internal logistics or parcel delivery. The purchase is to be classified in connection with the purchase of a number of other companies in the field of robotics as Meka Robotics and Redwood. Android creator Andy Rubin leads to a project at Google. Shortly before this acquisition was DI -Guy, a software for simulation of crowds for military tactics planning, transferred from Boston company VT MEK, which specializes in simulation software.
Developments (selection)
- RiSE, a six-legged climbing robot
- Atlas, a humanoid robot ( Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin development of petman )
- BigDog, a four-legged dog -like walking robot
Legged Squad Support System
(Written also called Alpha Dog and AlphaDog ) The Legged Squad Support System ( LS3 ) is the successor to the four-legged BigDog robot. The usability of the Legged Squad Support System was planned for 2012.
Planned improvements are that the machine can be used for military purposes better by higher stability. This includes the ability to traverse waters and cope well in hot, cold, dry and dirty environments. The volume of the drive is in contrast to the previous model of about 95 to 70 decibels in normal mode and 40 decibels are reduced in a second, quieter mode. The current payload of about 150 kg is to be raised to a potential payload of about 180 kilograms.
Cheetah
Cheetah was first released in 2012. It is another four-legged, cat -like walking robot whose movement apparatus was modeled on a cheetah and its development a fast running speed is paramount. Currently (as of December 2013) the machine reaches a top speed of 46 km per hour (29 mph) and has already in 2012 ( at 29 km / h) reached a new peak at walking machines, the normal athletic people could no longer escape. By comparison, the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt reached a top speed of nearly 45 kilometers per hour over a distance of 100 meters in 2009.
Wildcat
Wildcat (2012 ) is intended for use on varied terrain. A special feature of two different gaits, gallop and a lagomorph hobbling apply. The machine achieves on level ground, a top speed of nearly 26 kilometers per hour. As the power supply is an internal combustion engine.