http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/14/this-robot-ostrich-probably-will-outrun-you/?hpt=hp_bn6
This ‘robot ostrich’ probably will outrun you
Here’s a fun viral video for your Monday morning - a computer simulation of a “robot ostrich” that’s a joint project of DARPA, the U.S. Defense department’s research arm, MIT and the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition.
Its top speed, according to a researcher on the project, is 27 mph.
Only 40% of the machine has actually been built so far, so all the excitement is about computer models. Expect an actual working prototype of the robo-bird by 2013, said Sebastien Cotton, a research scientist with IHMC in Florida.
Why an ostrich?
Because it’s the fastest two-legged animal on land, he said.
My favorite part:
As for what the work this ostrich will do, Cotton said he couldn’t share details. There’s obviously something inherently cool about a 5-foot tall avian cyborg.
And since DARPA is involved, this unsuspecting ostrich is likely being designed to go to war.
“Inherently Cool” indeed. They’re bringing the video game Joust to life.
Awesome! War in the year 2047: “General! They’ve unleashed the killer robot ostriches! They have laser-beam beaks and vicious razor-edged slashing talons! We’re doomed!”
“Don’t worry, Lieutenant. We’ll just dig a bunch of holes and when they stick their heads in… unleash our killer cyber-buzzards!”
In the video at your link, I saw a guy doing a presentation that featured a robot and speed specs, and I immediately thought of this Jimmy John’s commercial.
And I thought this was gonna be about PETMAN (from the people who brought you BigDog ).