University students develop robo-dog that can haul 3-ton plane
With all the advancements going around, it has become pretty normal to see a robot handling boxes in a warehouse or moving swiftly through a bumpy track. However, sometimes, some machines do the extraordinary, like this spectacular robo-dog that hauled a 3-ton passenger aircraft. Yes, you got that right; it pulled a plane all by itself. Here's all about it.
HyQReal robo-dog hauling 3-ton plane
Just recently, researchers from Italy's Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia released a clip showing the might of their four-legged robot HyQReal. The remotely controlled machine, which looked pretty similar to Boston Dynamics' SpotMini, was seen pulling a 3-ton Piaggio P180 Avanti passenger airplane across the Genova Airport in Italy. Now, that is something you don't see every day.
Here's the video of robo-dog pulling 3-ton plane
LIDAR and computer algorithms drive the robot
The 4-feet long, 3-inches tall robo-dog managed to pull a plane more than 45-feet long using its 12 hydraulic joints, rubberized feet, LIDAR, and stereo cameras. The machine uses two onboard computers to perceive its surroundings as well as to act accordingly. As for power, there are batteries on board that ensure it holds sufficient juice while working in the field.
Future applications in search and rescue missions
The team made the robo-dog pull a plane in order to demonstrate its sheer strength and energy autonomy to the world. They believe that these four-legged machines could be evolved to take care of search and rescue machines. Essentially, they hope that the machines will replace humans for carrying out dangerous rescue missions, particularly in hazardous zones.
Plans to develop robust hardware, software
The team designed this bot by considering the maneuvering ability of four-legged animals like horses and goats on terrains. Now, they plan on developing robust hardware and software to make these bots more capable for handling real-world missions.
