WATCH: Can you Handle Boston Dynamics' new robot?

28 February 2017 - 15:04 By Bruce Gorton
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Image: Boston Dynamics via YouTube

Boston Dynamics has shown off a new robot designed to be able to go almost anywhere.

Their new robot, Handle, can move at just under 14.5 kph and jumps just over 1.2 metres vertically. Handle combines legs with wheels to get the best of both worlds when it comes to mobility.

Further, it only has 10 actuated joints, meaning it should be much easier to manufacture than its predecessors.

Boston Dynamics has had a long history of designing unusual robots.

Here are some of the highlights:

Their first was Big Dog, a robot that was designed to help US soldiers carry their gear over difficult to navigate terrain.

They then built the Cheetah, a robot that can outrun Usain Bolt.

Little Dog, a research plaftorm based on Big Dog, was next.

Following that achievement, was RiSE, a six legged robot that could climb trees, walls and fences.

Then the Sandflea, which can jump 8 metres straight up into the air,

PETMAN - a robot that moves just like a real human.

Alphadog, an update to Big Dog.

The Atlas, a high mobility, humanoid robot designed to negotiate outdoor, rough terrain.

The RHex rough terrain robot.

 

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