[Tyler]

New video of PETMAN humanoid robot
2 November 2011, 1:06 am



     Boston Dynamics published another video that went viral. The featured PETMAN humanoid robot walks and performs some basic but very human-like moves. However the lack of head and its general appearance keep it well deep inside the uncanny valley. Despite the direct science fiction references and its imposing stance, PETMAN is to be used only as test equipment for protective gear and clothing for the US Army. For that reason it mimics the dimensions, behavior and movement of a human body in order to accurately emulate the stresses and forces it impose to the tested gear. PETMAN isn’t Boston Dynamic’s only humanoid robot, under DARPA’s maximum mobility and manipulation program they also develop ATLAS, a yet to be revealed humanoid robot which is destined for field use. You can find more information at Boston Dynamics website and on this extensive article at Automaton Blog.

Source: robots.net

To visit any links mentioned please view the original article, the link is at the top of this post.

[Art]

Nice post, Tyler!

Also...Anyone looking for employment in the field of Robotics is encouraged to
check with Boston Dynamics as they have many positions available in several
disciplines!

Some real cutting edge development happening there!

[Freddy]

Eerily human that one..

[Art]

Yeah...can't you just imagine that thing with a head...coming for you!! (maybe even without a head too!).

I'm telling you...we're not that far away from self replication!

One of my main concerns regarding this android. They (Boston Dynamics) is going to have to develop
a serious method of sustaining power to the unit. Today's batteries simply won't do! They need to create
a hydrogen-ion power core or something similar to allow for days (or longer) of continuous power.

Take from Terminator..."CUT! The robot needs to be plugged in to recharge!! We'll continue the shoot
tomorrow!" 

Seriously, no nuclear but some alternative power source. Not just for this one but for ALL mobile platform
robots.

[DaveMorton]

I'm not so sure that Hydrogen would be all that useful, either, given the size required to produce the necessary power. Maybe a wheeled trailer? Something small, around the size of the old Radio Flyer wagons would suffice, I think. Of course, in such a scenario, the Terminator isn't all that scary. Steal his little red wagon, and he'll just fall in a heap, crying.

[Art]