This is AlphaDog, the next generation of BigDog, the creepiest and most awesome quadruped robot of all time. The damn thing is now smarter and can now stand up on its own when it’s down. Like a real horse.
Which is exactly what it looks and sounds like. A robotic, creepy version of a horse that can be kicked and pushed without falling down.
Like BigDog, AlphaDog is being developed by Boston Dynamics and funded by DARPA and the US Marine Corps. The first version will be completed in 2012 and will be capable of carrying 181kg over 32km missions in rough terrain. This video shows a test during the early stages of development.
And stay tuned for more cool robots from Boston Dynamic. According to Marc Raibert, founder and CEO of Boston Dynamics, there’s more exciting stuff to come “as soon as we get approvals for releasing it”.
Sam Timmins
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 10:02 AMJudging by the size, more like BigHorse!
EckyThump
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 3:24 PMI definitely would not want to march along side that bloody thing, having said that though, I’d rather have my fifty or sixty kilo back pack hanging off that than me! #]
LucasF
Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 1:02 PMI am sure they wouldn’t tell you but I bet they have already programmed one to kick a mans head off.
Paul
Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 11:48 PMCan’t wait to see it at the 2020 Melbourne Cup!
red t-rex
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 3:55 PMThe sound alone would scare the pants off anyone.
pen
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 4:20 PMI don’t get the whole “get up on its own thing”.
Surely, if it ever fell… it wouldn’t be on flat ground? It’s little roll technique wouldn’t work all that well on uneven ground.