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Marines don't even speak while on patrol, it's pretty obvious that a robot powered by a gas engine wouldn't be a good idea. MARSOC units apparently use electri

by RUG3Y 11y ago

Marines don't even speak while on patrol, it's pretty obvious that a robot powered by a gas engine wouldn't be a good idea. MARSOC units apparently use electric dirtbikes to quickly through rough terrain on some missions.

jessaustin 11y ago
...which suggests a possible solution to the current dilemma.
- RUG3Y 11y ago
  I don't know...I can't imagine a small electric dirt bike being useful with 100 - 120 lbs of gear (typical infantryman payload with full pack), plus the rider. I think the technology needs to come a long way.
  - jessaustin 11y ago
    I could have been clearer. I meant they could pull the electric motor out of the dirt bike and put it into the robot.
    - virmundi 11y ago
      I doubt that the mule would be of much use then. The range of the fully loaded mule was fairly limited. A battery powered version would have an even more limited range. This is possibly true even with a fuel cell. I don't think that it's a total waste, provided the Government gets the R&D. The machine can follow a human without direct controll. This could be added to alternative tech. At the same time it could be useful in non war scenarios like fire fighting or rescue and recovery. In both situations stealth is not important. Getting into remote areas might be possible, and better with these machines. If necessary, depending on environmental factors, fuel deposit could be dropped ahead of time.
      - jessaustin 11y ago
        Something that can transport a grown human quickly, can probably also transport a roughly equivalent weight more slowly? Or at least it will be able to do so given enough R&D? Electric motorcycles have been available for several years, from a variety of companies. Either the right battery is available now or it will be soon.
        rdancer 11y ago
        Don't underestimate the brutal efficiency difference of wheeled vs quadrupedal locomotion.

by RUG3Y 11y ago

jessaustin 11y ago

...which suggests a possible solution to the current dilemma.

RUG3Y 11y ago
I don't know...I can't imagine a small electric dirt bike being useful with 100 - 120 lbs of gear (typical infantryman payload with full pack), plus the rider. I think the technology needs to come a long way.
- jessaustin 11y ago
  I could have been clearer. I meant they could pull the electric motor out of the dirt bike and put it into the robot.
  - virmundi 11y ago
    I doubt that the mule would be of much use then. The range of the fully loaded mule was fairly limited. A battery powered version would have an even more limited range. This is possibly true even with a fuel cell. I don't think that it's a total waste, provided the Government gets the R&D. The machine can follow a human without direct controll. This could be added to alternative tech. At the same time it could be useful in non war scenarios like fire fighting or rescue and recovery. In both situations stealth is not important. Getting into remote areas might be possible, and better with these machines. If necessary, depending on environmental factors, fuel deposit could be dropped ahead of time.
    - jessaustin 11y ago
      Something that can transport a grown human quickly, can probably also transport a roughly equivalent weight more slowly? Or at least it will be able to do so given enough R&D? Electric motorcycles have been available for several years, from a variety of companies. Either the right battery is available now or it will be soon.
      - rdancer 11y ago
        Don't underestimate the brutal efficiency difference of wheeled vs quadrupedal locomotion.