Watch This Human-Like Robot Endure Crazy Obstacles

March 19, 2018 Gadgets, robot, robotics, Tech, U.S., world

In what looks like a robot scene pulled from The Terminator, a government agency has released a video of a search-and-rescue robot that can do everything from climb stairs to crossing narrow passages

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) — which is a part of the U.S. Department of Defense — uploaded the video to YouTube to bring attention to the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC). The contest is looking for robots who can maneuver and assist during dangerous and disaster relief situations. The winning team will be rewarded $2 million.

The robot in the video — which is called Pet-Proto and is the predecessor to DARPA’s Atlas robot — undergoes a series of obstacles similar to what robots will face in the challenge. The robot has decision-making abilities to determine the best route to go, when to jump and what to avoid.

Do you think robots like this will be the future of search and rescue missions? How would you like to see robots used? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

5 Household Robots For Easier Living

1. Neato XV-11

In a market where consumers have plenty of vacuum robots to choose from, the Neato XV-11 really stands out.

Unlike many, the Neato doesn’t need to bump into a wall to know it’s there. Rather, it maps out the room before deciding a path to take.

Its nimble movements prevent it from scratching your furniture while cleaning room after room. We were fond of the charging plate that sits against the wall, instead of protruding from it.

Price: $399.99
2. iRobot Looj 330

Featured once before on Mashable, the Looj is a gutter cleaning bot.

From the makers of the popular Roomba, this relatively small robot sits in your gutter and uses augers and brushes to remove leaves and other clutter.

You’ll need a ladder to position Looj, but once it’s in place you won’t need to do more than press a button.

Price: $299
3. Robomow

Forget spending money on gas to fill your lawn mower, and eliminate the pain that comes with pushing one.

Robomow is the only robotic mower on the market that mulches your lawn for a professional-looking cut.

Simply install wire around your lawn’s perimeter — then the robot will cut your grass on a schedule that you set.

Price: From $1,000
4. Windoro WCR-I001

Attached to your windows by four large magnets, Windoro cleans windows small to large.

With adjustable magnets, you can fit the window cleaner bot to single or double pane windows.

Price: $539
5. Nanda Home Tocky

We included the Nanda Home Tocky not only because it’s cute, but because we can all agree that waking up can be a chore.

Once the alarm goes off, this robot jumps from your nightstand and starts rolling away from your bed. What’s worse than having to chase your alarm clock around your bedroom? Realizing you forgot to buy coffee.

Watch a video of Tocky in action here.

Price: $69