Video: Army’s new robotic mule keeps its balance on ice

[kang]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

The weird and eerie feeling I get is my emotion for the machine - especially when the man tries to push it over or when it is struggling on the ice.

As machines get more life-like in action and appearance, I expect this "feeling" some experience to increase.

Very cool.

Best,

Kurt

I think you’ve nailed it. I think the human like qualities of this machine are what make the video so “freaky.”

[kang]

Originally Posted by BSiple

Ok, the sound, I am guessing a generator, is seriously creepy.

Brundel Fly anyone? That's what it reminds me of.

The web site says it’s powered by a gas engine. I’m guessing it’s something like a leaf blower engine. Modified and improved of course, but in general, some sort of high revving two stroke gas motor.

[tcar]

Yes, motor powers the hydraulic pump that runs it.

[stomachmonkey]

Rotflmao

[Hendog]

I see no evidence of intelligent design there, just a bunch of parts from a parts bin that spilled out and happened to end up as Big Dog

It's been done already and much more elegantly IMHO



The spoof was good for a real laugh; kinda like Monty Python.

[MT930]

The technology is impressive! But you are not going to sneak up on anything with that. Horses still work great and much more quiet. You do have to put good shoes on them for the ice work. Still pretty cool though.

[Hendog]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

AFAIK, the goal of this project is not to create a horse analog.

My bad.


The technology IS impressive, no doubt. I guess I started out by poking a stick at evolution (evolutionists). I should know better...Sorry if I offended anyone.