Tag: darpa

Alpha Dog, the Alpha Robot

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Robots have been around for several decades doing jobs that human can’t or simply won’t do. At first these robots were used purely for manufacturing but as technology advanced so did robotic potential. Robots are now breaching many sectors including the military. One these robots is Alpha Dog.

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Dog is a robot designed by DARPA to carry equipment that the average soldier can’t. Alpha Dogs carrying capacity is approximately 400 pounds for 20 miles; Alpha Dog has to refuel every 24 hours. This year Alpha dog began its first outdoor test, before it was linked to a hydraulic system that confined it indoors.

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It remains to be seen whether or not Alpha Dog will be effective in the field. Critics have said that its lack of armor would make it extremely vulnerable.

Planes & DARPA = Progress

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Aircraft have been around for a little over a hundred years. In 1903 the Wrights brothers were able to create the 1st “ airplane “ in recorded history. Useful technology evolves quickly; the airplane was no exception to this rule. By 1914 airplanes were being used in open warfare albeit in a limited fashion. By World War II planes were used in armed combat.
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Warfare escalated the development of the plane but the planes most advanced capabilities would be developed during the Cold War. By the Cold War Chuck Yaeger had successfully broke the sound barrier flying at a record. It wouldn’t be but a couple decades later that humanity would gain the ability to leave Earth.
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A couple of weeks ago DARPA launched the newest generation of aircraft. This aircraft can go 13,000 MPH making a trip from Los Angeles to New York in 12 minutes. Unfortunately soon after safe take off the aircraft was ripped apart by its own speed.