B.E.A.R. robot

[Dr Mordrid]

B.E.A.R. = Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot

Anyone besides me think this looks like Johnny Five from "Short Circuit" ?

Video

Daring battlefield rescues of wounded comrades may one day be a thing of the past as the US army is developing a robot that can recover injured or abducted soldiers.

The remote-controlled Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot (Bear) will be able to travel over rough terrain while carrying a casualty comfortably in its arms, New Scientist reports today.

A prototype can already lift more than 135kg (300lb) with one arm and climb stairs holding a human-sized dummy.

The robot - which has a rounded head with teddy bear-style ears and large eyes - can also carry a wounded soldier while kneeling or lying down, making covert rescues possible.

Bear's legs are fitted with tracks for rugged terrain and wheels for travelling over smooth surfaces.

Computers linked to gyroscopes adjust the position of the machine's lower body if it is about to fall over.

It is anticipated that the robot will also be used by the military to carry heavy equipment.

Daniel Theobald, president of Maryland-based Vecna Technologies, which is developing Bear, told New Scientist: "We saw a need for a robot that can essentially go where a human can."

Bear is expected to be ready for field tests within five years.

[Fat Tone]

"Number Five keep you alive" Can you imagine the sequel to Saving Private Ryan?

Seriously though, it seems to me the robot is doing a great job of shielding itself with a human. To be effective it should offer protective shielding to the human. I suspect its neck would need to be telescopic too.

What's the betting it will be armed too, to assist with the extractions?

[Dr Mordrid]

I would include a folding shield on its back that would extend to cover the victim.

I can also see a full combat version as a 300lb capacity/arm adds up to some pretty heavy artillery. Imagine it with 2 mini-guns, a grenade launcher and a s***load of ammo