Take cover, BigDog can throw bricks
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BigDog, the rough terrain robot designed and built by Boston Dynamics, is now capable of handling and throwing heavy objects.
In this clip, BigDog is manipulating 35lb cinderblocks and managed a best throw of just over 17ft.
According to Boston Dynamics, the goal of this exercise is to use the strength of the legs and torso to help power motions of the arm.
BigDog, the rough terrain robot designed and built by Boston Dynamics, is now capable of handling and throwing heavy objects
They say this sort of dynamic, whole-body approach to manipulation is used routinely by human athletes and will enhance the performance of advanced robots.
Boston Dynamics is developing the control and actuation techniques needed for dynamic manipulation.
Readers' comments (5)
Paul Reeves | 7 Mar 2013 12:33 pm
Brilliant! A Black and Decker Workmate for the 21st Century.
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Jonathan Mercer | 7 Mar 2013 1:00 pm
Okay, that's great. What I really want to see is BigDog trying to catch bricks.
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Claire Spillane | 7 Mar 2013 1:11 pm
Very impressive throw - but what was all the stamping of the feet beforehand?
Was there a reason the BigDog robot did this as it altered my image from dog to horse! Clip clop
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Paul Reeves | 8 Mar 2013 9:48 am
Dressage+Shotput in the 2016 Robot Olympics.... I agree catching bricks would be very impressive too.
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Tony Howells | 11 Mar 2013 2:21 pm
I think the idea is to demonstrate the agility and coordination necessary to complete complex tasks, moving objects that are dangerous and in the way is a useful skill not to mention what that might do to a human in the way.
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