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.
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