Robots typically help humans with everyday tasks such as cleaning, moving heavy objects, or even medical procedures. Military implementation of robots usually has them equipped with machine guns, rockets, or bomb disposal appendages to keep soldiers out of harm’s way. But what about a military robot whose primary function is to save soldiers who went into harm’s way and need help getting out? Vecna Robotics has come up with a solution to that problem and its name is BEAR. The Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot is designed to carry out search and rescue missions as well as logistics, recon, and mine inspection among other things. Vecna Robotics created BEAR using a hydraulically based upper body capable of lifting up to 500 pounds, two sets of independently controlled tracks to get over most terrain, and a balancing system that lets the robot stay upright while carrying heavy loads. The company that designed the AcceleGlove, Anthronix, plans on developing a glove that can control BEAR using hand gestures. A different method would base the controller on a soldiers M4 rifle so that the soldier could control the robot without losing sight of enemy combatants. Eventually BEAR would become semi-autonomous in his actions requiring little input from humans. The robot is still in its prototype stage and is undergoing tests and simulations at FT. Benning Georgia so don’t expect to see it on battlefield soon. For videos and more information please visit: http://www.vecna.com/robotics/solutions/bear/index.shtml
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