DARPA's Robotic 'AlphaDog' Could Give Soldiers' Gear a Lift

Military members might get some help carrying their heavy packs over rugged terrain in the future thanks to a new robotic mule being developed by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Boston Dynamics.

The Legged Squad Support System (L3), or "AlphaDog," as it's been nicknamed, can walk up to 20 miles carrying 400 pounds of gear, even up and down hills, potentially reducing the physical strain on dismounted war fighters, according to DARPA, the military's research arm. The 800-pound robotic mule is stable on its own legs, but if it should fall over, it can automatically get up and keep on moving. It can even interpret verbal and visual commands, follow a human leader, and track members of a squad through a forest or high brush.

[link to www.pcmag.com]