DARPA unveils robotic mule. Hot or Not?

Today, the U.S. military’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) released an exciting and unusual video of its latest robotic creation: a mule-like device that gracefully and quietly walks over rugged terrain.

Officially named the Legged Squad Support System (LS3), the walking “pack mule” prototype was designed to show that “a legged robot can unburden dismounted squad members by carrying their gear, autonomously following them through rugged terrain, and interpreting verbal and visual commands,” according to the DARPA website.

“We’ve refined the LS3 platform and have begun field-testing against requirements of the Marine Corps,” said Army Lt. Col. Joe Hitt, DARPA program manager. “The vision for LS3 is to combine the capabilities of a pack mule with the intelligence of a trained animal.”

The LS3 is able to rapidly change speeds based on squad commands. It can maintain a walking speed of 1 to 3 mph over rough terrain, transition to a 5-mph “jog” and run up to 7 mph over flatter, less demanding surfaces. See full story at the link below.