Robots
Archived Posts from this Category
Another Firefighting Robot
Posted by Jamie on 10 Aug 2006 | Tagged as: Firefighting, Robots
ARMTEC has developed a remotely-operated firefighter of their own, the newly dubbed SACI (Incidents Support Combat System). Unlike the Norwegian Ana-Conda this device is battery-powered making recharging batteries and other power management issues important logistical priorities but the concept of networking these devices but the benefits far outweigh the logistical challenges.
The bot, obviously immune to smoke, fear, and extreme heat, can quench flames in a trio of ways: a direct stream, foam blast, or a wide-reaching “mist” approach. To extinguish those hard-to-reach hot spots, it touts a maximum blast of 60 meters, and the cannon pivots from 20 - 70 degrees vertically while being wheeled around on the tank-like track system.
Fear not the robot, my smoke eating brother (or sister)! These design don’t seem to pose much of a threat to your jobs. They’re simply another tool that makes our jobs safer and provides more capablity. Swarms of remotely operated firefighting bots could save numerous lives but I don’t think they’ll make firefighters obsolete.
Via Gizmodo
Serpentine Firefighting Robot
Posted by Jamie on 24 Jul 2006 | Tagged as: Firefighting, HazMat, Rescue, Research and Development, Robots
Norwegian researchers announced the development of the unfortunately named “Anna Konda” robot, a 3 meter long water-powered beast that is designed to replace firefighters in hazardous environments (like, um, fires? - eds.), according to Roland Piquepaille’s Technology Trends:
The snake contains 20 water hydraulic motors that move the robotic joints. And the energy needed to power these motors comes from water pressurized to 100 bars and already available inside the fire hose. This gives enough energy to this water-powered robot to climb up stairs, to lift a car up off the ground or even break through a wall.
The design offers a flexibility that most existing robotic firefighting systems lack, namely, by increasing autonomy and reducing the burden on its operators. The robot can be directed to travel from point A to point B, for example, and it will navigate the terrain itself by using computer controlled actuators. The beauty is in the simplicity and modularity of its design, allowing for easy repair and maintainance and a steep learing curve for operation.
More after the jump.
DARPA Tests Exoskeleton and Trauma Stretcher
Posted by Jamie on 23 Jul 2006 | Tagged as: Medicine, Military, Rescue, Research and Development, Robots
Last month (yeah, I’m a little late) during a demonstration sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps’ VMX-22 test squadron DARPA had a chance to show off some of its newest technologies. On display were the Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation Program and the Life Support for Trauma and Transport-Lite sled among others.
The exoskeleton project is designed to augment the existing capabilities of soldiers by allowing them to move faster accross difficult terrain, lift and carry larger loads comfortably, and a host of other improvements. It is also designed to incorporate application specific additions that allow the wearer to work in hazardous conditions such as biologically or radiologically contaminated areas by adding life support and remote sensing packages.
Based on the very successful LSTAT family of transport devices which offered a self-contained solution for packaging and transporting a patient and all of the technology required for life support, the LSTAT-Lite is a movement towards taking the system from rear-echelon uses to the soldier on the front lines by shaving 150 lbs. (and significant cost) off of the original LSTAT design.
More after the jump. Continue Reading »
BEAR Robot to Extricate Injured Personnel
Posted by Jamie on 18 Jul 2006 | Tagged as: HazMat, Military, Personal Protection, Robots
You know, robots do a lot of things that humans cannot, but they do one thing particularly well and that is go where humans really would rather not. The problem is that humans do a lot of things better than robots, like think. When humans think themselves into a problem it is usually not a bad idea to send in a robot to save our bag-of-goo butts. Now, Maryland’s Vecna Technologies has developed a robot that is:
Designed to find, pick up and rescue people in harm’s way, the humanoid BEAR robot can do what humans can’t: Lift heavy loads and carry them long distances. Whether on a battlefield, in a nuclear reactor core, near a toxic chemical spill, or inside a structurally-compromised building after an earthquake, the BEAR can rescue those in need as well as or better than humans can, without risking additional human life.
While the battlefied application is clear the true potential of this technology is exciting. This robot could revolutionize inpatient transfer and extend the length of time patients can remain in the home by assisting other family members with patient movement. It could also save the backs of countless prehospital care workers (present company included). Imagine rolling this baby out of the side cabinet on your ambulance.
Here’s a video clip of the thing in action.
Via Futurismic.
