Latest addition to the US military ~ a teddy bear

[Rambuchan]

Well, "Robo-bear" actually.

Bear robot rescues wounded troops


The US military is developing a robot with a teddy bear-style head to help carry injured soldiers away from the battlefield.

The Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot (BEAR) can scoop up even the heaviest of casualties and transport them over long distances over rough terrain.

New Scientist magazine reports that the "friendly appearance" of the robot is designed to put the wounded at ease.

It is expected to be ready for testing within five years.

While it is important to get medical attention for injured soldiers as soon as possible, it is often difficult and dangerous for their comrades to reach them and carry them back.

The 6ft tall Bear can cross bumpy ground without toppling thanks to a combination of gyroscopes and computer controlled motors to maintain balance.

It is also narrow enough to squeeze through doorways, but can lift 135kg with its hydraulic arms in a single smooth movement, to avoid causing pain to wounded soldiers.

While the existing prototype slides its arms under its burden like a forklift, future versions will be fitted with manoeuvrable hands to gently scoop up casualties.

The Bear is controlled remotely and has cameras and microphones through which an operator sees and hears.

It can even tackle stairs while carrying a human-sized dummy.

Daniel Theobald, the president of Vecna Technologies, which is developing the robot for the US Army, said: "We saw a need for a robot that can essentially go where a human can. The robot will be an integral part of a military team."

Gary Gilbert, from the US Army's Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Centre in Frederick, Maryland, said that the teddy bear appearance was deliberate.

"A really important thing when you're dealing with casualties is trying to maintain that human touch."

Vecna is working on other potential applications for the robot technology - including helping move heavy patients in hospital.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6729745.stm

 

[Swedishguy]

That's some really good use of tax money! Kepp it up!

Is this for real?

 

[bhsup]

Man, I don't know. I'm thinking I'd prefer something hellishly fierce looking to scare away potential attackers as I am being dragged away by the robot. That said, totally freaking awesome.

 

[Bartleby]

I can barely believe what I'm reading.

 

[Catharsis]

NO. BEAR - WANT - TO - LIVE.

 

[AL_DA_GREAT]

I would prefer a human medic if I was shot.

 

[silver 2039]

Hey if they can build that how come they aren''t building Giant Death Robots yet? And mobile suits and such?

 

[Solver]

As a strong supporter of robotics, I think it's a great development. I'm probably screwed in the head for being more inclined to trust a robot than a human, but even that aside, it's a positive development. Reaching downed soldiers is a big problem on the battlefield, after all.

Just give them a couple more decades after that to perfect the technology. There's no reason why robots wouldn't be used on a wide scale in similar situations later this century.

 

[Truronian]

Lets hope no-one gets injured in the rain...

 

[bigdog5994]

thats awesome i want a civilian version that can carry out the trash for me

 

[aronnax]

That's some really good use of tax money! Kepp it up!

Is this for real?

Are you using Sarcasm, i cant tell.

 

[MobBoss]

Wow. I havent heard of this one yet. Very interesting. Another one that was out in the last year was some sort of robotic pack mule that had such good balance you could literally kick it in the side and it wouldnt fall over. The only problem its loud as hell as it sounds like a high pitched lawn mower.

 

[.Shane.]

Wow. I havent heard of this one yet. Very interesting. Another one that was out in the last year was some sort of robotic pack mule that had such good balance you could literally kick it in the side and it wouldnt fall over. The only problem its loud as hell as it sounds like a high pitched lawn mower.

lol, yeah, I saw that video. I assumed it was gas-powered.

 

[JollyRoger]

When I suggested that Bushbots go to Fallujah, this isn't exactly what I had in mind.

 

[C~G]

Maybe it becomes available with clear markings of being such since you want to stay out of it's way as it probably draws quite a lot of fire.

 

[amaterasu]

yay, robotic soldiers, what a step on the road to peace.

 

[nivi]

I like the Israel teddy bear better, its quite a monster

 

[bhsup]

yay, robotic soldiers medics, what a step on the road to peace.

I fixed your quote.

 

[amaterasu]

I fixed your quote.

not hard for a medic bot to become a solider bot, just change the syringe into a gun.

 

[ParkCungHee]

Why do we need a robot to do this?