Robotic Mule - SL3 Legged Squad Support System

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Boston Dynamic tested an autonomous robot on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Sept. 10. The Legged Squad Support System, or LS3, demonstration was a performance test of the pack mule prototype for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos and DARPA Director Arati Prabhakar. Interviews include: Lt. Col Joe Hitt, DARPA program manager, and Brig. Gen. Mark R. Wise, Commanding General of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. Video by Cpl. Christofer Baines.

[mtpstv]

That noise would give away a position in a heart beat. I hope the military that engages US citizens in the near future uses one so we know exactly where they are and can take them out that much more quickly.

[LowestofheDead]

These are adorable, especially the constantly rotating camera inside the 'head'.

They kind of look like they're alive.

[gmadman]

A similar unit can have limitless applications in improving agriculture. Just imagine having a few of these guys help with the harvesting and maintenance of crops in both developed and developing countries.

[ezcoreg]

When they tried to push the MULE over I was like... Damn... They answered my question.

[clayguy]

Boy I hear that.. anything that helps our soldiers is worth every dime...

[Oscarallknowing]

In the 60's we spent millions to invent a pen that could write in
The Russians used a pencil .
Use a real mule damn it !!

[StreetFighter]

Keep in mind that if the military is comfortable showing this on TV, then what they have in secret is already 50 years ahead of this. You can bet they already have more agile units, armed with guns, rockets, and weapons we don't even know about yet. Imagine an army of these coming to your neighborhood to "keep the peace". They feel no pain and show no mercy.

[manofsan]

This could give new meaning to the phrase "Armored Cavalry"

[enscribe]

Mount a .50 on top and I'd say you've got a force to be reckoned with right there. These are coming along nicely but I'd like to see some footage of it in rocky terrain.

[michaelpeterson]

maybe the robots can be build to spot dangerous mines and they, ll save troops lives especially when their marching in minefields which is highly dangerous. Great Job.

[anearthling]

We're still in the beginning stages of things like that being practical . As time goes on more will be learned and more will be possible . I think it would be cool to have one like that that I could ride . Also they will probably make those type of machines that you can use to carry things or do other work on a farm or in your yard or at work . It looks really strong and sturdy . Wear and taer on moving parts etc. would be a big concern .

[studley]

This shows a lot of potential. Lightens the troops up so they can move faster, or send it out to resupply. What about sending it ahead of a patrol to check for IED's? Watch what happens with this thing it might end up being a significant part of the battle space.

[CounterfeitDogz]

I was impressed with it's ability to keep itself upright when pushed laterally.
Man, a pack of those'd scare the crap out of stone age terrorists.

[GeekProdigyGuy]

Robots don't scare. Robots follow commands, simple or complex. Robots can be bullet-proof, fire-proof, and water-proof. Robots can be mass-manufactured and either recharged or refilled. Robots don't need to be born, bred, or raised, they can come off the assembly line in droves.

[JeanLoquias]

yeah sooner or later were gonna need something else to power stuff.
have you seen the one that runs faster that ussain bolt? idk if its the same one...but you can look it up

[DAVO]

this people is the next step in evolution for planet earth!

[TurbotortoiseStickle]

I want one. Imagine the gear you can take camping and actually enjoy the hike w/o the extra weight of your camping/hunting gear?

[momentary_]

I think these are just the first step to a better product down the line.

[lancerz]

Is that soldier actually standing at attention while a robot goes by. Glory glory to the future!!

[jarrodrigney]

I can't wait until martial law and I see one of these walking down my street. Uhhh trendy. That's so cool.