Honda Shows Off Disaster Response Robot Prototype

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monkeymagick

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Honda unveiled a prototype of an experimental legged robot named E2-DR. The 5' 5" humanoid robot is designed to fit into tight spots no larger than 30cm. It weighs nearly 190lbs equipped with two Hokuyo laser rangefinders and multiple cameras and sensors on its head. Its main utilization would be for plant meltdowns and other situations where a human can not reach safely, but also used for inspection purposes.

Watch it climb a stair!

With an Intel Core-i7 CPU, a discrete GPU, and DC-DC converters that suck down 226 watts by themselves (not including the motor drivers), there's a lot of heat to get rid of. Honda solved this by routing air ducts through E2-DR's torso, with internal fans to keep the air moving. Heat producing hardware is attached to the outside of the ducts with thermal conducting sheets, and fins inside the ducts help to maximize cooling.
 
It might be cheaper and more effective to train 3-Toe Sloths and Slow Loris' to rescue people.
 
Still far far behind Boston Dynamics. It's hard to knock over one of Boston Dynamics robots with a good push and they trounce through the forest / snow at a break neck pace.

Speaking of which, did Boston Dynamics ever find a buyer?

[edit] Never mind. I see a investment firm called softbank owns them now.
 
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