Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Boston Dynamics' PETMAN Anthropomorphic Robot That Can Run Like a Man!


As someone who grew up in the age of the Six Million Dollar Man, this "Bionic Man"-looking PETMAN robot from Boston Dynamics is quite amazing. The last time I reviewed this type of technology, the prototype was some four-legged Big Dog. At this rate, it will only be a few years before human-looking robots will be in the workplace and on the battlefields.

PETMAN is an anthropomorphic robot for testing chemical protection clothing. Unlike previous suit testers, which had to be supported mechanically and had a limited repertoire of motion, PETMAN will balance itself and move freely; walking, crawling and doing a variety of suit-stressing calisthenics during exposure to chemical warfare agents. PETMAN will also simulate human physiology within the protective suit by controlling temperature, humidity and sweating when necessary, all to provide realistic test conditions.

Source: Boston Dynamics

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