14 DAY TRIAL // Another week, another robot, though at least this time we aren't looking at a robo-rat whose only purpose is to torment live ones.
A team of scientists from Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center have built the so-called “Chimp” robot.
Made for DARPA's Robotics Challenge, it has feet like a tank, forelegs that can become hands if needed, and sophisticated enough dynamics that it can “perform complex, physically challenging tasks through supervised autonomy.”
It can open a valve, for example, operate power tools, etc.
Obviously, maneuverability is always a good thing, so Carnegie Mellon actually might win DARPA's little competition.
“Humans provide high-level control, while the robot provides low-level reflexes and self-protective behaviors,” said Tony Stentz, NREC director and Tartan Rescue Team leader. “This enables CHIMP to be highly capable without the complexity associated with a fully autonomous robot.”