DARPA-made Robot is Basically a Balloon Filled with Coffee Grounds

[The Boston Dangler]

DARPA-made Robot is Basically a Balloon Filled with Coffee Grounds

http://www.gearfuse.com/darpa-made-...alloon-filled-with-coffee-grounds/#more-24772

DARPA uses a system called “jamming,” which means that to mold around an object, air is pushed into the balloon, allowing it to expand to provide room for the coffee grounds to mold around an object. Air is sucked out of the balloon to grab hold of the object. DARPA says the technology for the balloon bot “could be on the market tomorrow,” considering that all you need, in addition to a balloon and coffee grounds, is an air pump and a mechanical arm. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my extra mechanical arms anyway.

i'm thinking this would be great for daleks.

 

[TecHNooB]

skynet had humble beginnings.

 

[illusion88]

DARPA-made Robot is Basically a Balloon Filled with Coffee Grounds

http://www.gearfuse.com/darpa-made-...alloon-filled-with-coffee-grounds/#more-24772



i'm thinking this would be great for daleks.

That's pretty cool, it can pick up odd shaped objects and preform complex tasks like writing and pouring water, and delicate enough to grab a raw egg. But how much force can it lift with? The heaviest thing was about 1lb, can it grasp onto something that weighs 20x that?

 

[The Boston Dangler]

That's pretty cool, it can pick up odd shaped objects and preform complex tasks like writing and pouring water, and delicate enough to grab a raw egg. But how much force can it lift with? The heaviest thing was about 1lb, can it grasp onto something that weighs 20x that?

i would imagine the limit is a function of the friction of the balloon material and air pressure inside the balloon. theoretically, you could have a kevlar (or similar) balloon coated with synthetic gecko feet and be able to pick up anything.

 

[techs]

DARPA-made Robot is Basically a Balloon Filled with Coffee Grounds

http://www.gearfuse.com/darpa-made-...alloon-filled-with-coffee-grounds/#more-24772



i'm thinking this would be great for daleks.

That reminds me, Dr. Who is coming to film in America this upcoming season.