Are you ready for new 'roach-inspired' armored vehicles?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:49:52 -0400

Get ready for the future of armored combat. It's a vision straight out of "Starship Troopers." It's cockroach-inspired combat vehicles.

The August issue of Bioinspiration and Biomimetics magazine includes an article by a team of University of California at Berkeley scientists and electrical engineers conducting research into building cockroach-inspired Army vehicles that would have rounded-shell exteriors and be able to traverse a wide assortment of terrain, including the ability to squeeze through gaps and quickly change direction. Robot experiments, partly funded by the Army Research Laboratory, based on a roach design showed promise for real world applications.

We are not talking about soldiers riding in a “roach coach,” at least not yet. Research is supported by the Micro Autonomy Systems Technology Collaborative Technology Alliance, which has other studies underway of what it calls “bio-inspired” ability to move over complex terrain, perch like a bird, and use tails or appendages.

Are you ready for these new 'roach-inspired' vehicles?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 6 at 2015 12:51 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:51:09 -0400

Really? I wonder what they will look like? I know a roach!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 6 at 2015 12:52 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:52:07 -0400

If this is the case, they should be immune to radiation.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Jul 6 at 2015 12:52 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:52:48 -0400

Great idea in my opinion.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 6 at 2015 12:55 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:55:47 -0400

Do I get to scream like a girl if one touches me? Because that's exactly what happens when a roach touches me.

Ultimately, nature provides some of the best engineering examples available. This would be amazing in harsh terrain like Afghanistan.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Jul 6 at 2015 1:31 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 13:31:09 -0400

This sounds very cool!

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 6 at 2015 1:36 PM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 13:36:41 -0400

Does this mean that future anti-armor weapons will be shaped like large shoes?

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 6 at 2015 1:43 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 13:43:31 -0400

Ah hell, I got roaches in my vehicle. Doggone things should be paying rent

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 6 at 2015 2:17 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 14:17:57 -0400

If it can survive a nuclear blast like it's role model, I'm in.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 6 at 2015 2:19 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 14:19:51 -0400

Must be the down-armored version.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 6 at 2015 2:27 PM

1LT William Clardy — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 14:27:21 -0400

Will larger units be able to ride into combat in doobie-inspired vehicles? And have they done any research into possible problems if the troops start experiencing vehicle-induced munchies??

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 6 at 2015 4:16 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:16:09 -0400

Are these going to be drone type vehicles or will they carry passengers? I find it difficult to understand how they would squeeze through tight spaces that are simply too small for people to go through.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 4:28 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:28:24 -0400

Sir,
I live in Florida. I already have "roach-inspired" armored vehicles. They are called PALMETTO bugs! And I am not above saying that they freak me the H*LL out!!! Lol!