Google acquired Boston Dynamics, a walking robot maker



In the beginning of DecemberAcquired 7 robot companiesIt was revealed that Google acquired Boston Dynamics, which is known for making robots walking with two legs and four feet.

Google Adds to Its Menagerie of Robots - NYTimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/technology/google-adds-to-its-menagerie-of-robots.html


Boston · Dynamics is a robot development company established in 1992 by former professor of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mark · Laybert. I have developed a robot that can be used for wasteland against the Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and not for commercial use.

This is a quadruped walking robot called "BigDog".

BigDog Reflexes - YouTube


Since it has been developed as a transportation robot in rough terrain, even if it is kicked from the side ...


I will continue walking without falling.


The movement is awkward and awkward.


Improvements were made later, and stability improved.

BigDog Evolution - YouTube


Big Dog walking on a snowy mountain


Strikeout and powerful walk


By making BigDog heavy luggage, the burden on the soldier will be lightened.


This place is hard to run like a beach.


Also "WildCat" of a quadruped walking robot. Unlike BigDog, it is made with the concept of "running fast".

Introducing WildCat - YouTube


There are places where you can see BigDog in the standby state


With a run-up, it's a dash.


Cornering by tilting your body. I can run at about 16 mph (about 26 km / h).


Role "RISE" climbs the wall

RISE - YouTube


Pett pasted on the wall ......


As it is climbing up and climbing



And a bipedal walking robot "Atlas".

Atlas Update - YouTube


You can walk on rough terrain without difficulty


Because the balance ability is high, you can stand one foot ......


I will not crash if I hit a weight


Currently, the robot that Boston · Dynamics is making is for military use, but Google has no intention of embarking on the military industry, and Boston · Dynamics discards the contracts currently being exchanged with the military etc It is said that there is nothing to do. As Google seems to aim to commercialize commercial robots.

In addition, Andy Rubin, a Google officer who turned on the article on this acquisition report, commented that "The future is looking awesome!"

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