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A comment on Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini robot in 2019. Parent comment

Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by abakker on Monday May 14, 2018 @10:12AM (#17065673)
The logical response is that of course it _could_ be weaponized, but, there are a whole host of cheaper drones that are much better candidates than this for that purpose. I’d bet on inspection/rescue in mines, demolition sites, and anywhere indoors with stairs or rough surfaces where people should not go. Maybe you could use them for mine sweeping.

Real question is whether they’ll make a version that makes no sparks so it can work in flammable atmosphere environments.

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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by ryanmarsh on Monday May 14, 2018 @12:06PM (#17066643)
Carrying heavy things is (by my humble estimation) 4/5 of war. So if there’s something that can carry heavy things, yes it will be used for that purpose.
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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by fixermark on Monday May 14, 2018 @01:06PM (#17067208)
Big Dog was floated for that purpose and failed to meet the requirements.

(Specifically, it was intended to be a marines platform---I guess the main infantry doesn't need it because they already have trucks?---but it didn't meet the goals for power constraint or noise constraint).

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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by ryanmarsh on Monday May 14, 2018 @01:59PM (#17067795)
Yah first time I saw the prototype I thought, “that’s a good way to lose the initiative on a patrol”. Perhaps a battery powered version with quiet servos will approach. It will also need to understand hand and arm signals to go on patrol.

The idea is incredible. You could greatly extend the range, duration, and lethality of the average patrol (9 men) by taking a few hundred pounds off their backs (or just adding that much in water and ammo to the robot).

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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by komali2 on Monday May 14, 2018 @01:30PM (#17067427)
Drone with a pipe bomb strapped to it makes the most sense to me.

Sticking an m-16 on the top of a dogbot that can wiggle around at 3mph... not so much lol

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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by tintor on Tuesday May 15, 2018 @12:39AM (#17071690)
Today 3mph, next year it will be running at 30mph+.
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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by cm2187 on Monday May 14, 2018 @10:46AM (#17065971)
> Real question is whether they’ll make a version that makes no sparks so it can work in flammable atmosphere environments.

Can't you "dress up" the robot?

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Re:Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini ... by abakker on Monday May 14, 2018 @11:12AM (#17066188)
I don't think you can for environments with continuous exposure - http://www.rstahl.com/fileadmin/Dateien/tgus/Documents/ExPro...

usually there is a requirement not to use any relays that have physical contactors and other similar parts.

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