iRobot Demonstrates New Weaponized Robot 188
An anonymous reader writes "According to this IEEE story, iRobot and the US military have released video showing a weaponized version of iRobot's Warrior robot. In the video, the Warrior is seen firing a weapon system called the APOBS (Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System), a grenade-filled line propelled by a rocket and stabilized by a drogue parachute. This system is used to clear minefields and obstructed roads. The video shows soldiers deploying a Warrior with the APOBS mounted on its back. The robot fires the device, which lands along a dirt road, exploding after a few seconds. A voice is then heard, 'Road clear; proceed forward.'"
This seems somewhat familiar (Score:3, Funny)
I think you better do as he says, Mr. Kinney.
All hail the conquers! (Score:2, Funny)
Well I for one welcome our new robotic overlords.
Granted the inevitable human rebellion will have a surprisingly easy time fighting these things, I mean just hide up a sufficiently steep slope and the apparently top heavy ting will tumble over backwards. Alternatively you could just walk away at a reasonably brisk pace.
And speaking of military robots, am I the only one who's creeped out by Big Dog [youtube.com]? Looks like some sort of unholy union between a deer and a spider..
Roomba accessory (Score:3, Funny)
This would be great for my roomba when it runs into a really big mess. Or for its obstacle route planning. Instead of turning to go around the obstacle it could just remove the obstacle.
Re:All hail the conquers! (Score:5, Funny)
And speaking of military robots, am I the only one who's creeped out by Big Dog? Looks like some sort of unholy union between a deer and a spider..
You can call it unholy if you want, but there was magic in the air that night. Who are you to judge true love?
Just what the military needs... (Score:3, Funny)
...a device that runs around in circles shooting randomly.
after it clears the obstacles (Score:1, Funny)
Also, after it breaches the obstacles, it helpfully vacuums up the resulting mess so following vehicles don't get a puncture.
Re:Obvious questions... (Score:3, Funny)
And what do I do when they accident send one of these in my new roomba box....
"honey, Why is the vacuum setting fire to the couch?"
Gee... (Score:4, Funny)
So I was happy with my Roomba and Scoomba. Now they have home defense products too. Wow. Do I have to buy the whole robot or can I just get the weapon mounts for my vacuum?
Re:This seems somewhat familiar (Score:1, Funny)
You have ten seconds to comply.
Re:Gee... (Score:2, Funny)
I can see it now...
"From the people who brought you Roomba and Scooba... it's BOOMBA!"
Re:Humanity (Score:1, Funny)
You failed.
One small problem. . . (Score:2, Funny)
This brilliant plan will be foiled when the enemy buys a $99 add-on virtual wall and erects it in front of the minefield.