Robotics - BigDog

This highly advanced and intelligent creation is a taste of the future and could lead to so much more in robotic creation. In the above video you see a soldier giving the 'dog' an almighty kick to the side to display the RobotDogs recovery of balance, even when manoeuvring itself on very slippery ice and trudging over rough terrain.

I had a sense that you shouldn't really be kicking a robot so aggressively, as this highly intelligent computerised robot may just turn round and bite the hand that feeds it, metaphorically speaking. The BigDog made a low growling sound when he received the kick, further reinforcing my fears.

I find these strange RobotDogs a little scary in their single-mindedness and I always worry that these Robotic creation might just have a mind and will of their own, as it moves on with a gritty determination towards it goal.The robotic age is well upon us and to me it conjures up visions of a highly advanced technological future generation on the not too distant horizon.

BigDog is a robot that is designed and engineered to do many things. In appearance it is similar to a dog, in its size and in its leg movements. Which is due to its incredible hydraulic actuation engine, onboard computer and sensors which motivate the movement and balance of the BigDog Robot.

The movements that the BigDog is capable of are, walking, running in a trot like movement, climbing steep gradients in difficult conditions, such as deep snow or rough ground. The BigDog also climbs over terrain, clambers across ice with speed and ease and never falls. The BigDog has amazing control over its balance and if it stumbles or trips it regains complete balance immediately.

This highly advanced robot has a fantastic future to aid our armed forces on land manoeuvres and in action. It also can carry a load on its back of up to 340 lb. Give this dog a gun, and its good to go.

The size of the BigDog is: 0.7 meters tall, 1 meter long, and 75 kg weight. It has a powered gasoline engine, hence the buzzing sound of a fly which I find quite surreal, and aids to the whole horror aspect of it. The legs of the BigDog legs are "articulated like an animal's, and have compliant elements that absorb shock and recycle energy from one step to the next".

The steering and navigational properties come from its onboard computers control system which controls the BigDogs behaviour and it regulates its energetics when needed. Which means it will differentiate what power and tactics are needed on various types and manners of ground.

The physical size of the BigDog resembles a small mule or a large dog and with its strength, intelligence and hardiness it is going to be a tremendous asset to the armed forces and future space travel. The control system is amazing and incorporates a stereo vision system amongst other things, and a laser gyroscope. The BigDog has a speed at the moment of 4 miles per hour. It is an incredible invention and definitely is the shape of things to come.

- The Legged Learning Robot -
LittleDog, known as the 'Legged Learning Robot, and this one is a climber. It has three electric motors and four legs. It has strong motors, a half hour charge when in action and dynamic locomotion. It also allows for wireless data logging and wireless communication.

RHex Robot is a strong Robust Robot which is built like a small tank. It has amazing power over all kinds of terrain.It can also operate under water and on the surface. It has a sealed body which protects it from the water. It is remote controlled for a distance of 600 meters. It combines an inbuilt compass and GPS.

"RiSE is a small six-legged robot that climbs vertical terrain such as walls, trees and fences. RiSE's feet have claws, micro-claws or sticky material, depending on the climbing surface. RiSE changes posture to conform to the curvature of the climbing surface and a fixed tail helps RiSE balance on steep ascents. RiSE is about 0.25 m long, weighs 2 kg, and travels 0.3 m/s".

Finally, if you were in any doubt about the role that robots will play in our future, the time is now, and the evidence is here. It's a little bit scary the complete power that Robots have. The strength and intelligence; and an army of these confronting you would be a very awesome sight indeed.

Robots will probably make up a good percentage of our workforce in the future and our lives will become very different then. I wonder what ultimate use a human being will be when autonomous robots take over our world.

Take a look at the below videos and see the future!

Christianna Garrett-Martin

References:
Read more about Boston Dynamics Work Here

Robot Building for Dummies
(For dummies)

Absolute Beginners Guide to Building Robots
(Absolute Beginner's Guides)

Build Your Own Humanoid Robots:
6 Amazing and Affordable Projects
(TAB Robotics)

Robot Building for Beginners
(Technology in Action Series)