Boston Dynamics PETMAN Prototype Walks Like You Do
Writing by Evan Ackerman on Tuesday, 27 of October , 2009 at 12:49 am
Boston Dynamics has had a page on its website about PETMAN for like a year now, but this is the first we’ve seen of the actual robot. PETMAN is (or will be) an anthropomorphic robot the same size and shape as an average human, designed to test chemical protection suits for the army. PETMAN will be able to move freely on its own; walking, crawling, and “doing a variety of suit-stressing calisthenics during exposure to chemical warfare agents.” Fun! The robot will also be able to control its own temperature and humidity and even sweat inside the suit it’s testing, kinda like this robot just with 100% less creepiness.
PETMAN’s legs and walking intelligence comes from BigDog, which means that PETMAN has no trouble recovering from a shove. We’re looking forward to lots more footage like this… Next up, how about PETMAN on ice?
Comments (2)
Category: Androids, Military, Research
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Comment by Robotbling
Made Tuesday, 27 of October , 2009 at 1:06 am
It has been a long time coming, but the results speak for themselves. What I’m wondering is why the US Department of Defense is so concerned about chemical warfare that they’d fund this sort of project specifically to test hazmat suits?
Comment by Snake Oil Baron
Made Tuesday, 27 of October , 2009 at 9:39 am
Chemical weapons are easier and cheaper to get than biological and nuclear and new methods of delivery will reduce the risk to the nation using them. Since laws against their use only really apply to democracies and other nations which are willing to obey those laws (as long as they are not losing a protracted war) they will be more common in the future.
I do find it odd that Boston Dynamic is developing such a sophisticated robot merely for testing protective clothing. Or so it claims. I think it is just one justification for this technology. Big Dog is likely getting a Gumby to its Pokey.