Robotics

Grizzly Robotic Utility Vehicle does the heavy-lifting, whatever the terrain

Grizzly Robotic Utility Vehicle does the heavy-lifting, whatever the terrain
Grizzly combines the power of a tractor, with the precision of a robot
Grizzly combines the power of a tractor, with the precision of a robot
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Grizzly features four 26 inch (66 cm) all-terrain tires
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Grizzly features four 26 inch (66 cm) all-terrain tires
Grizzly combines the power of a tractor, with the precision of a robot
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Grizzly combines the power of a tractor, with the precision of a robot
Grizzly measures 68.9 x 50.5 x 31.9 inches (175 x 128 x 81 cm)
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Grizzly measures 68.9 x 50.5 x 31.9 inches (175 x 128 x 81 cm)
Grizzly weighs a maximum of 910 kg (2000 pounds), depending on the model chosen
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Grizzly weighs a maximum of 910 kg (2000 pounds), depending on the model chosen
The robotic ATV features a range of internal sensors to provide valuable feedback on the robot's state
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The robotic ATV features a range of internal sensors to provide valuable feedback on the robot's state
Clearpath Robotics says Grizzly is up to the task of pulling a plow, or carrying a payload which weighs up to 600 kg (1,322 pounds)
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Clearpath Robotics says Grizzly is up to the task of pulling a plow, or carrying a payload which weighs up to 600 kg (1,322 pounds)
An oscillating front axle sports 16 degrees articulation, allowing the Grizzly to navigate 6 inch (15 cm) obstacles
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An oscillating front axle sports 16 degrees articulation, allowing the Grizzly to navigate 6 inch (15 cm) obstacles
Grizzly is powered forward by an 80-horsepower electric motor
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Grizzly is powered forward by an 80-horsepower electric motor
Grizzly can cruise at a speed of 12 mph (9 km/h), for up to 12 hours, or offer 3 hours of heavy towing
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Grizzly can cruise at a speed of 12 mph (9 km/h), for up to 12 hours, or offer 3 hours of heavy towing
Grizzly promises to tackle the most demanding agricultural, mining, and defense tasks you can throw at it, whatever the terrain
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Grizzly promises to tackle the most demanding agricultural, mining, and defense tasks you can throw at it, whatever the terrain
The powerfully-built bot features a bullbar up-front, though a winch accessory is available
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The powerfully-built bot features a bullbar up-front, though a winch accessory is available
View gallery - 11 images

Canada-based robotics company Clearpath Robotics has unveiled the aptly-named Grizzly Robot Utility Vehicle: an unmanned four wheel drive robotic platform that promises to tackle the most demanding agricultural, mining, and defense tasks you can throw at it, whatever the terrain.

The yellow and black vehicle features four 26 inch (66 cm) all-terrain tires, and a front axle with 16 degrees articulation. This, coupled with an 8-inch (20 cm) clearance, allows the Grizzly to navigate obstacles of up to 6 inches (15 cm), while all four wheels still remain firmly on the ground.

Grizzly is powered forward by an 80-horsepower (60 kW) electric motor, and its drivetrain offers a maximum drawbar pull of 6,300 N (1,400 pound-force). Clearpath Robotics says the vehicle is capable of pulling a plow, or carrying a payload which weighs up to 1,322 pounds (600 kg). A range of internal sensors are on-board to provide feedback on the robot's state.

Grizzly measures 68.9 x 50.5 x 31.9 inches (175 x 128 x 81 cm), and weighs a maximum of 2,000 pounds (910 kg), depending on the type of battery chosen. It can cruise at a speed of 12 mph (9 km/h), for up to 12 hours, or manage three hours of heavy-duty towing. The powerfully-built bot has a bullbar up-front, but a winch accessory is available at additional charge.

Grizzly can cruise at a speed of 12 mph (9 km/h), for up to 12 hours, or offer 3 hours of heavy towing
Grizzly can cruise at a speed of 12 mph (9 km/h), for up to 12 hours, or offer 3 hours of heavy towing

Gizmag reached out to Clearpath Robotics for further information on how exactly Grizzly is controlled, and we were informed that the main control computer supports all Robot Operating System-compatible hardware. The company representative also mentioned using a Samsung Galaxy S3 to drive the Grizzly, but versatility seems to be the watchword here, and there's likely multiple methods of making it perform as desired.

Clearpath Robotics hasn't released pricing or availability details as of writing – to be frank, Grizzly is designed to perform as an industrial research tool rather than a consumer robot. However, if you can convince yourself you really need one to help carry the groceries from the car, you can request a quote via the source link below.

The following video shows Grizzly in action.

Source: Clearpath Robotics

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1 comment
1 comment
The Skud
Sounds useful in the wild, assisting Rangers or personnel of various forces, but would need a recharging base for long use. There are many Army-developed robots for carrying loads in the pipeline, so this may get passed over. Making sure it is amphibious (those big, soft, ribbed ATV tyres?) for a starting point for versatility may help there.