DARPA Reveals Upgrades To Its Atlas Robot

From DARPA:

The teams using the DARPA-developed Atlas robot got their first look at the newly upgraded system during a technical shakeout the week of January 12th in Waltham, Mass. The upgraded Atlas is 75 percent new—only the lower legs and feet were carried over from the original design. Lighter materials allowed for inclusion of a battery and a new pump system with only a modest increase in overall weight; the upgraded robot is 6-foot-2 (1.88 meters) and weighs 345 pounds (156.5 kilograms).

The most significant changes are to the robot’s power supply and pump. Atlas will now carry an onboard 3.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, with the potential for one hour of “mixed mission” operation that includes walking, standing, use of tools, and other movements. This will drive a new variable-pressure pump that allows for more efficient operation... (full details)

Featured Product

Improve productivity and achieve consistent, high-quality welds with mechanized welding solutions.

Improve productivity and achieve consistent, high-quality welds with mechanized welding solutions.

We have the right welding system for every application. Our solutions are the ultimate in precision and efficiency, meeting the full scope of requirements for quality and reliability in tank, vessel, and pipeline construction in particular. We also offer custom solutions that stand up to any challenge. Working with our mechanized circumferential welding systems, you can weld components of very different sizes and weight classes-thanks to systems ranging from compact welding cells for smaller components through to robust systems for heavy workpieces. Cutting-edge technology and premium materials deliver top results, making our welding systems incredibly versatile, simple to use, and easy to maintain. Even welds, high process stability, and less rework are just a few of the advantages-and you can benefit too.