Posted on Jul 6, 2015
Are you ready for new 'roach-inspired' armored vehicles?
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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?
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?
Combat
Technology
Science
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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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.
Ultimately, nature provides some of the best engineering examples available. This would be amazing in harsh terrain like Afghanistan.
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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??
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Does this mean that future anti-armor weapons will be shaped like large shoes?
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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!
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!
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CH (MAJ) William Beaver
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.
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.
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