5 ms·

I'm sure that approach is simpler, but from what I can tell, the (semi?) autonomous technology can also be delivered today: https://www.bostondynamics.com/ls3 h

I'm sure that approach is simpler, but from what I can tell, the (semi?) autonomous technology can also be delivered today: https://www.bostondynamics.com/ls3 https://www.bostondynamics.com/ls3

Jaruzel 7y ago
However, wouldn't the hydraulic + operator version be a) cheaper to develop and b) less complex to build and maintain (useful when deployed) ? I think there is a good case for KISS here.
- masklinn 7y ago
  KISS is slapping an engine and threads or 4~6 all-terrain wheels on a box.
  - JasonFruit 7y ago
    You've made the same comment twice and I only just now managed to figure out that you meant treads, not threads. I thought you maybe meant some kind of box that could be screwed through the soil...
    - masklinn 7y ago
      > You've made the same comment twice and I only just now managed to figure out that you meant treads, not threads. Oh… oops.
    - cr0sh 7y ago
      Well... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw-propelled_vehicle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw-propelled_vehicle
ckastner 7y ago
I thought of that example, too, but thought that it had been cancelled as unsuccessful. Turns out it was cancelled for mainly other reasons. Quoting [1]: "By late 2015, the Marines had put the LS3 into storage because of limitations with the robot including loud noise, challenges in repairing it if it breaks, and how to integrate it into a traditional Marine patrol" [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legged_Squad_Support_System https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legged_Squad_Support_System
- taneq 7y ago
  Turns out the marines don't really need a loud, expensive, fragile machine to haul their gear when they can just use a quad bike. Robots are awesome but integrating practical robotics with mission critical operations is really really hard, especially because you're automatically competing with battle-tested best in class solutions.
  - Mvhsz 7y ago
    Actually turns out Boston Dynamics had a good idea and over-engineered it. LM built a cheaper, wheeled, semi-autonomous troop support vehicle that ended up selling pretty well. https://defense-update.com/20070529_smss.html https://defense-update.com/20070529_smss.html
    - taneq 7y ago
      That thing looks an awful lot like a quad bike with two extra wheels.
      - Mvhsz 7y ago
        yeah basically, but with no driver. That was my point about over-engineering: the army didn't want an expensive re-invention of off road vehicles, just existing technology tailored to their needs. BD has a long term vision for robotics and I'm not suggesting that they should stop working towards that. Just making the point that it's possible to create robust solutions using simpler robotics even in complex environments.
      - steverb 7y ago
        AKA a "6 Wheeler". At least that's what we called them when I was kid. They use differential steering, which makes them a good fit for automation. Don't have to worry about turning a steering column, just shift the power around which the off the shelf ATV already handles.
        taneq 7y ago

I'm sure that approach is simpler, but from what I can tell, the (semi?) autonomous technology can also be delivered today: https://www.bostondynamics.com/ls3 https://www.bostondynamics.com/ls3

Jaruzel 7y ago

However, wouldn't the hydraulic + operator version be a) cheaper to develop and b) less complex to build and maintain (useful when deployed) ? I think there is a good case for KISS here.

masklinn 7y ago
KISS is slapping an engine and threads or 4~6 all-terrain wheels on a box.
- JasonFruit 7y ago
  You've made the same comment twice and I only just now managed to figure out that you meant treads, not threads. I thought you maybe meant some kind of box that could be screwed through the soil...
  - masklinn 7y ago
    > You've made the same comment twice and I only just now managed to figure out that you meant treads, not threads. Oh… oops.
  - cr0sh 7y ago
    Well... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw-propelled_vehicle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw-propelled_vehicle

ckastner 7y ago

I thought of that example, too, but thought that it had been cancelled as unsuccessful. Turns out it was cancelled for mainly other reasons. Quoting [1]: "By late 2015, the Marines had put the LS3 into storage because of limitations with the robot including loud noise, challenges in repairing it if it breaks, and how to integrate it into a traditional Marine patrol" [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legged_Squad_Support_System https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legged_Squad_Support_System

taneq 7y ago
Turns out the marines don't really need a loud, expensive, fragile machine to haul their gear when they can just use a quad bike. Robots are awesome but integrating practical robotics with mission critical operations is really really hard, especially because you're automatically competing with battle-tested best in class solutions.
- Mvhsz 7y ago
  Actually turns out Boston Dynamics had a good idea and over-engineered it. LM built a cheaper, wheeled, semi-autonomous troop support vehicle that ended up selling pretty well. https://defense-update.com/20070529_smss.html https://defense-update.com/20070529_smss.html
  - taneq 7y ago
    That thing looks an awful lot like a quad bike with two extra wheels.
    - Mvhsz 7y ago
      yeah basically, but with no driver. That was my point about over-engineering: the army didn't want an expensive re-invention of off road vehicles, just existing technology tailored to their needs. BD has a long term vision for robotics and I'm not suggesting that they should stop working towards that. Just making the point that it's possible to create robust solutions using simpler robotics even in complex environments.
    - steverb 7y ago
      AKA a "6 Wheeler". At least that's what we called them when I was kid. They use differential steering, which makes them a good fit for automation. Don't have to worry about turning a steering column, just shift the power around which the off the shelf ATV already handles.
      - taneq 7y ago