 |
Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
|
 |
Vecna BEAR Rescue Robot Prototype Ready
A prototype version of the Vecna BEAR (Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot) is now undergoing testing. This remarkable robot is about the size and shape of an adult man. The Vecna BEAR should be able to rescue injured people in dangerous areas and then bring them back to safety.

(Vecna BEAR robot carries a man)
The proof-of-concept version shown above is able to maneuver easily in a variety of environments. On level ground or pavement, the Vecna BEAR can move quickly on wheels in an upright position (see Vecna BEAR rears up). In what the developers call the "centaur" posture, the robot glides along on the caterpillar treads on its "belly."
The BEAR requires control that is better than that commonly seen on backhoes or tractors, both machines with hydraulic systems to provide the muscle.
The BEAR's objectives require fine-tuned control, and a more gentle touch, such as that found in proportional control systems like PWM control over standard motor actuation systems. For this challenge, Vecna engineers are designing a control system that will permit very finely resolved proportional movement. New specialized micro hydraulic valves and related systems are being invented by this team of young engineers, and are expected to be patented.
The Vecna BEAR's humanoid form allows it to be used in urban environments; the BEAR can climb stairs, pass through doorways, all with an adult-sized dummy "casualty" in its arms.
Science fiction fans may recall the Japanese manga film Roujin Z, introduced in 1996. In the film, the Ministry of Health orders Takazawa Kijuro, an elderly bed-ridden man seemingly without family, to test a new robot - the Roujin Z-0001. A self-contained atomic power reactor gives this unique part bed/part machine robot all the energy it needs. Roujin Z can also climb stairs and carry the sick.

(Roujin-Z hospital bed/robot in profile, carrying patient)
See the previous coverage of this robot at Vecna BEAR Battlefield Extraction Robot. For another "centaur-style" robot, take a look at NASA's Robonaut Centaur, which I saw demonstrated at NextFest 2006 last fall in NYC.
Read the excellent story at BotMag.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/17/2007)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.
| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 2 )
Related News Stories -
("
Robotics
")
Robot Gas Station Attendant Pumps Gas For You
'... he waited for the robotrix attendant to finish fueling up his ship.' - Philip K. Dick, 1974.
SnapBot Robots - You Choose Their Legs And They Choose Their Gaits
It's not really polite to tear the limbs off robots.
Humanoid Robots Building Humanoid Robots
''Pardon me, Struthers,' he broke in suddenly... 'haven't you a section of the factory where only robot labor is employed?'' - Isaac Asimov (1940)
What's The Best Way To Ship And Unpack Humanoid Robots?
'I opened the oblong box, where lay the automatons side by side...' - Elizabeth Bellamy, 1899.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
|
 |
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Nuclear Plant Restarted To Power AI To Feed Us Dreams
'...Anything was possible in my imaginary environment.'
SpaceX's Starman Tesla Roadster In Space
'Somewhere in space, a chrome and blue automobile raced the green light of Earth.'
Pivotal Blackfly Electric Aircraft Lifts And Hovers
'That explains how it was so easy for me to remain motionless in midair...'
CORLEO Robotic Horse Concept Looks Ready To Ride
Imagine digging your heels in to a steam horse!
Who First Thought Of A Tin Foil Hat?
'We had discovered that metal was relatively impervious to the telepathic effect.'
Warp Drive Tech Back On The Menu
'Detailed plans for the construction of the Gundstetter-Halone warp drive were flowing.'
Huawei Pura X Folding Phattie Phone
Why can't we get more innovative phone configurations?
Sleep Pods At Daxing International Airport
'Do not waste your priceless company on the unappreciative folds of a sleep pod...'
Robot Baristas Learn Their Trade Without Paying Royalties
'...so we've promised him a generous pension from the royalties.'
JAXA Int Ball 2 Coming Right Along As Star Wars Remote
'Hocus-pocus religions and archaic weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side.'
Robot Bricklayer Or Passer-By Bricklayer?
'Oscar picked up a trowel. 'I'm the tool for the mortar,' the little trowel squeaked cheerfully.'
Robot Gas Station Attendant Pumps Gas For You
'... he waited for the robotrix attendant to finish fueling up his ship.'
Engineer Creates Crazy Motorized Track Hospital Bed
The Roujin Z system provides care to fully bedridden patients - and then some!
Tiny Flying Robot Weighs Just One Gram
'Aerostat meant anything that hung in the air. This was an easy trick to pull off nowadays.'
Some Ringworld Configurations Are Stable
'The Ringworld had no horizon. There was no line where the land curved away from the sky.'
TRANSFORM Dynamic Furniture Concept Becomes What You Need
'An adjustment panel outside the door would cause it to extrude various appurtenances in memory plastic...'
More SF in the News Stories
More Beyond Technovelgy science news stories
|
 |