Latest PETMAN from Boston Dynamics
From the creators of BigDog and AlphaDog comes the most advanced humanoid robot to date, the Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin (PETMAN). This bot is designed to move with the same limitations of the human body. PETMAN was designed to be of average weight and size, at just under 6' tall it weighs 180 pounds. Even though this bot costs $26.3 million USD, funding from DARPA, its supposed will make all the development feel like a waste.
PETMAN was designed to test military uniforms. The bot simulates breathing, temperature, sweating, with a full range of human motion and can maintain its own balance just to make sure the BDUs of the troops fit? I am dubious of their claim. The bot's creating company, Boston Dynamics, stated that PETMAN may be used in hazardous areas and environments like floods, Fukushima, etc. A common claim for most advanced robotics.
The immediate question, will it be weaponized? Unfortunately, it is too expensive versus human soldiers to be a replacement. However it does mark the first step towards truly useful humanoid robots.
I remember seeing the original PETMAN prototype a few years ago. The project has come a long way.
PETMAN prototype from 2009, Boston Dynamics
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