A Bigger BigDog
By Chief Robot. Filed in Military |Tags: boston dynamics, quadraped, robot
Boston Dynamics, makers of the BigDog robot have won another contract worth $32 million from DARPA to make an LS3 or Legged Squad Support System.
Each LS3 will carry up to 400 pounds and run for 20 miles or 24 hours. The press release states:
The program goal is to develop a walking quadruped platform that will augment squads by carrying traditional and new equipment autonomously. These platforms will be capable of managing complex terrain where tactical vehicles are not able to go—lightening the load of Marines and Soldiers and increasing their combat capability.
The first prototype is expected in 2012 and is shown here in a mock up from Boston Dynamics.
Here is the PDF DARPA press release.
Link via (IEEE Spectrum)
