Robots March Forward

By Charlie

UPDATE: This is the MULE from Lockheed (thanks, anonymous)

Anyway, robots are robots. Here are some more:

So does this put us one step closer to the Imperial Walker?

Lockheed Martin MULE Program Completes Key Review, Begins Work on Final System Design

DALLAS, TX, February 27th, 2008 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) vehicle program successfully completed its System Preliminary Design Review (PDR), signaling a new phase in the program’s development as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) modernization initiative. As a result of this recent review, Lockheed Martin will now begin to transition from the concept maturation phase into detailed design work.
The MULE/ARV-Assault Light, a 3.5-ton class vehicle for the FCS program, offers an extraordinary capability that will support the U.S. Army’s transformation to a lighter and more mobile fighting force. The robot’s unique mobility will enable it to go everywhere the Soldier can go and more. It will allow Soldiers of the transformed Army to use technology to perform a number of dull, dirty and dangerous jobs performed by Soldiers today, freeing troops to focus more effectively on the success of their mission.

The MULE/ARV-Assault Light’s highly mobile platform is a unique 6x6 independent articulated suspension. Coupled with in-hub motors powering each wheel, the suspension system provides extreme mobility in complex terrain, far exceeding that of vehicles utilizing more conventional suspension systems.

Here's a video of this [another] system, which has some interesting real-world applications if it can be successfully fielded.

February 27, 2008 05:31 PM Tech

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Comments

Those legs look awfully real. But to see the true final result of this experiment please watch The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Doug (old Army Corporal) · February 28, 2008 06:22 AM

I wonder if the weed-whacker / angry wasp-hive sound is a bad side effect or some kind of psyop function. If it's not the latter, I think that's something they'll have to mute. Otherwise, it's going to be a world class headache for a patrol trying to maintain noise discipline, and at the very least, it will annoy the hell out of soldiers.

MikeD · February 28, 2008 11:31 AM

The video posted is of the boston dynamics Big Dog... http://www.bostondynamics.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog

This is the Lockheed MULE: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4220825.html

Anonymous · February 28, 2008 03:36 PM