Robotics

Watch: Wheeled robodog attacks extreme terrain at high speed

Watch: Wheeled robodog attacks extreme terrain at high speed
DEEP Robotics has previewed the launch of a new wheeled quadruped robot called the Lynx, which can be seen bounding down steep slopes, climbing over large obstacles, getting to grips with tricky inclines, bouncing down steps on two limbs and speeding down dirt tracks
DEEP Robotics has previewed the launch of a new wheeled quadruped robot called the Lynx, which can be seen bounding down steep slopes, climbing over large obstacles, getting to grips with tricky inclines, bouncing down steps on two limbs and speeding down dirt tracks
View 4 Images
DEEP Robotics has previewed the launch of a new wheeled quadruped robot called the Lynx, which can be seen bounding down steep slopes, climbing over large obstacles, getting to grips with tricky inclines, bouncing down steps on two limbs and speeding down dirt tracks
1/4
DEEP Robotics has previewed the launch of a new wheeled quadruped robot called the Lynx, which can be seen bounding down steep slopes, climbing over large obstacles, getting to grips with tricky inclines, bouncing down steps on two limbs and speeding down dirt tracks
When ascending tricky slopes, the Lynx locks its wheels and pads carefully along
2/4
When ascending tricky slopes, the Lynx locks its wheels and pads carefully along
The Lynx
3/4
The Lynx appears able to adjust and adapt on the fly
The Lynx has showcased its multi-terrain versatility ahead of the official launch
4/4
The Lynx has showcased its multi-terrain versatility ahead of the official launch
View gallery - 4 images

China's DEEP Robotics is about to add a new quadruped to its kennel called the Lynx. But rather than go for walkies on pads, the mid-sized pup rolls on four wheels and is built for all-terrain shenanigans – as you can see in the pre-launch promo.

Over the last few years, quadruped robots from the likes of Boston Dynamics, Unitree and ETH Zurich have showcased engineering prowess and AI advances in more and more impressive ways. But walking on all fours might not be suitable for all missions, and can be relatively slow going.

Swapping out the pads for wheels opens up new possibilities, as effectively demonstrated by the Swiss-Mile Robot, W1 and Go2-W recently. Now DEEP Robotics has teased a new member of this versatile pack – showing off some pretty slick all-terrain action ahead of an upcoming full launch.

Extreme Off-Road | DEEPRobotics Lynx All-Terrian Robot

The Lynx will join the company's existing trio of pad-footed quadruped offerings – the Lite3, X20 and X30. But as you can see in the promo teaser, the wheels add more speed and excitement while maintaining a similar level of control.

As with the other wheeled examples we mentioned earlier, the upcoming mid-sized robodog from DEEP Robotics can lock all wheels to walk along or climb over obstacles. The motors can also drive the quadruped over loose earth, dusty gravel or comparatively tame pavement.

However, a combination of different modes were needed to see it through the punishing multi-terrain assault course encountered during filming. Highlights of the short video include controlled descent down a steep slope, numerous walks on two wheeled legs and a clamber over an 80-cm-high boulder.

The Lynx has showcased its multi-terrain versatility ahead of the official launch
The Lynx has showcased its multi-terrain versatility ahead of the official launch

We'll have to wait for the official launch for all the juicy details on AI learning chops employed here as well as the machine's specs, but the company's existing robodog pack members are already capable of autonomously operating for up to four hours per charge in industrial settings. The Lynx would appear to add jaw-dropping multi-terrain capabilities to the recipe. Potential real-world applications include search and rescue, mapping, inspection and equipment transport.

"DEEP Robotics is about to debut this middle-sized powerful quadruped wheel solution, unlocking new levels of flexibility, productivity, and ease of use for our customers," said the company's Max Wu in a LinkedIn post. "Let's redefine the boundaries of what robots can achieve."

Source: DEEP Robotics

View gallery - 4 images
7 comments
7 comments
gonk
I want one to be my noble steed!
Spud Murphy
These could make excellent search and rescue robots.
Kiffit
The military applications?...... arrrggghhhhh!
Mr. Human
"Potential real-world applications include search and rescue, mapping, inspection and equipment transport."

I can only assume you intentionally skipped the most obvious and disturbing potential real-world application for this: AI-controlled all-terrain killing machine. It doesn't take the slightest bit of imagination to picture this with machine guns, a sniper rifle, and/or a small missile launcher mounted on it.
holdenmidfield
Scale it up and throw a saddle on that pony and they'll be lining up to ride.
Thony
Noice,
Now make a Toshikoma
Daniel Rivera
Let's not kid ourselves...the funding for this type of development comes from the military. In the USA, as in China (and other countries...), they are trying to develop a robotic substitute for the human soldier. Without conscience, without hesitation... Search and rescue... oh, yes, shure...!!!.