PhotonBoy
Flashlight Enthusiast
U.S. considers turning scooters into war robots
"NEW YORK — It's called the Segway Human Transporter, but the Pentagon is drafting the two-wheeled scooter as part of a plan to develop battlefield robots that think on their own and communicate with troops.
The program is still in the research phase, so the self-balancing scooters aren't expected to report to boot camp anytime soon.
So far, university researchers armed with Pentagon funding have programmed Segway robots that can open doors, avoid obstacles, and chase soccer balls -- all without human control.
Researchers say potential applications for the robots include performing search missions on the battlefield, transporting injured soldiers to safety, or following humans around while hauling their gear."
In its current configuration, the existing Segway lacks the flexibility to survive in war-time conditions, unless you consider Astroturf a war zone. Confronted by gravel, sand, fences, hedges, streams, ditches, bushes etc., the Segway would soon become an expensive piece of junk.
"NEW YORK — It's called the Segway Human Transporter, but the Pentagon is drafting the two-wheeled scooter as part of a plan to develop battlefield robots that think on their own and communicate with troops.
The program is still in the research phase, so the self-balancing scooters aren't expected to report to boot camp anytime soon.
So far, university researchers armed with Pentagon funding have programmed Segway robots that can open doors, avoid obstacles, and chase soccer balls -- all without human control.
Researchers say potential applications for the robots include performing search missions on the battlefield, transporting injured soldiers to safety, or following humans around while hauling their gear."
In its current configuration, the existing Segway lacks the flexibility to survive in war-time conditions, unless you consider Astroturf a war zone. Confronted by gravel, sand, fences, hedges, streams, ditches, bushes etc., the Segway would soon become an expensive piece of junk.
