Month: October 2014

PR2 Robot Plays Pool

For years now computers have been competing against chess grandmasters. Now similar challenges are emerging in physical sports. It isn’t hard to predict that robots will eventually win…

Pool is an obvious choice for robots to tackle. They can take their time. Correct angles are easy for them to compute. Sure, choice of shot is a factor – but with time they will be able to sink just about any available shot.

The PR2 can also:

MAARS – Machine Gun Robot

maars

You could call it a ground drone. This weaponised robot can be controlled remotely at a distance of a kilometre or more. My initial thought is that whoever has a bunch of these wins the close combat contest. Look at the stats:

  • Battery lasts 3–12 hours, and up to one week in sleep mode
  • Top speed of 7 mph
  • Seven cameras, working in day or thermal modes
  • Machine gun with 450 rounds
  • Four grenade launchers with one grenade each (can be tear gas)
  • Loud speaker / siren
  • Laser dazzler
  • Motion detectors
  • Gunfire detector

I guess the problem is that it is not invisible. And it can’t be stealthy, running and hiding. Sure, the first enemy to spot it might be killed – but then pretty much everyone else will just hide until it goes away.

Or they will have traps in place for it to fall into. Or put something in its path like netting or an oil slick. Or run up behind it and tip it over before it can turn its turret. Or jam its comms channel and steal it.

I guess you could call it a ground drone, and being on the ground means that it is vulnerable.

Read more about the Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System