Technabob » defense

Boston Dynamics BigDog Robot: Will it Eat PIGORASS for Lunch?

Range — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:00:35 +0000

A reader pointed out that the PIGORASS four-legged robot I mentioned yesterday was somewhat flimsy (I don’t agree) compared to this more sturdy offering from Boston Dynamics. They call it the BigDog and it will most probably eat your real dog for lunch (it can be weaponized).

Watching the video is somewhat eerie, because you can see Boston Dymanics’ BigDog climbing a forested hill, all by itself. It can carry heavy loads and is powered by an engine that drives the hydraulic actuators needed for locomotion. BigDog is the size of a large dog or a small mule: 3 feet in length, 2.5 feet in height, and it weighs about 240lbs.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The onboard computer keeps everything balanced. It can run at 4mph, climb slopes up to 35 degrees, walk across rubble and climb muddy hiking trails. It will also walk in snow and water and can carry a 340lbs payload, which is pretty cool.

Check out more videos of BigDog in action over Boston Dynamics’ YouTube channel.

Move Over Sci-Fi, Robot Exoskeletons Are Coming Thanks to Raytheon

Range — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:30:03 +0000

Ah Raytheon, just the name scares some guys silly. Raytheon is a defense contractor and they’ve released some new information and videos of their new exoskeleton called the XOS 2. And no, this isn’t science-fiction.

This is the closest that anyone has come to a fully functioning military exoskeleton. The goal is to create an sort of Iron Man suit. Raytheon believes that the tethered version of the XOS 2 will be on the battlefield within 5 years. A non-tethered version will be available in 8 to 10 years.

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The main use would be either directly on the battlefield, with the combat variant XOS, or for logistics to transport heavy items. The XOS is a lot smaller than a crane or loader, and as long as Skynet never comes online, it’ll probably be used for more good than evil.

[via Geek]

Researchers Develop Laser Missile Defense System for Helicopters

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:50:53 +0000

All Dr. Evil wanted was sharks with frickin’ laser beams on their heads. For now, he will have to settle for helicopters with bad attitudes instead. A group of researchers at the University of Michigan has figured out how to use lasers that can survive the stress of helicopter flight to confuse missiles into not hitting their intended target.

The system is mounted to a military helicopter and when it detects a missile coming towards the helicopter; the laser hits the missile with a mid-infrared supercontinuum laser. The supercontinuum laser carries a broad range of wavelengths and is capable of mimicking the heat produced by a helicopter engine.

That faux heat signature is enough to confuse the missile and keep it from hitting the intended target. The system is said to be effective up to 1.8 miles from the helicopter. The laser is also very simple and is made from off the shelf fiber optic parts, which is what makes the laser able to function aboard helicopters where other lasers fail.

[via GizMag]

Web Gun Catches Thieves Just Like Flies

Technabob — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:17:43 +0000

Why should cops need to zap suspects with dangerous Tazers when they could just catch fleeing criminals using a powerful Spiderman-like web-slinging device instead?

The NET-2000 Shooting Net Rod uses a charge of highly compressed air to fire a net at fleeing suspects from as far as 49 feet away.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

While it doesn’t spin a web of just any old size, it does fire a huge 52 square foot net made of high strength Nylon fiber. While the device may look like an innocuous flashlight when not in use, it sure packs a wallop when fired up.

In addition to law enforcement use, its designed for animal catchers to use in place of traditional manual nets. Importer Chinagrabber is selling the devices for just $419 a piece, but I’d suggest that you check with your local police department before you try to catch stray alley cats with one of these.

Don’t Mess With This Killer Robot

Technabob — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:43:38 +0000

An Isreali defense manufacturer today revealed their new portable robot that’s capable of going into dangerous war zones and taking down enemies on its own (with the aid of a wireless remote control and built-in video camera). The VIPeR robot has an a full arsenal of weaponry on board, including an automatic pistol and grenade planting capabilities.

The robot’s maker, Elbit Systems, Ltd., claims that the rugged, dual-treaded robot can climb stairs and challenging surfaces like rubble without a problem. In addition to its fighting duties, the robot can be used for bomb detection and disposal.

I certainly wouldn’t want to run into one of these in a dark alley.

[via Reuters]