Legged Squad Support System

The Legged Squad Support System is the project of a legged robot, planned successor to the BigDog quadruped robot.[1][2]

Specifications

The Legged Squad Support System is to "Go where dismounts go, do what dismounts do, work among dismounts". The machine is to carry 400lb (181.8 kg) of squad equipment, sense and negotiate terrain, maneuver nimbly, and operate quietly when required. The machine is required to be ruggedized for military use, including the ability to ford streams and operate in hot, cold, wet, and dirty environments. The contract schedule calls for an operational demonstration of two units with troops in 2012.

The initial contract for the Legged Squad Support System was awarded to Boston Dynamics on December 3, 2009.[3]

References

  1. ^ Mandelbaum, Robert (October, 2008). "Legged Squad Support System, Industry Day". DARPA. http://www.darpa.mil/tto/solicit/BAA08-71/LS3_Industry_Day.pdf. 
  2. ^ Schactman, Noah (October 29, 2008). "Darpa Preps Son of Robotic Mule". San Francisco: Wired. http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/10/bigdog-20.html. 
  3. ^ "Legged Squad Support System (LS3) - Trade Studies - Solicitation Number: DARPA-BAA-08-71". DARPA. December 3, 2009. https://www.fbo.gov/index?&s=opportunity&mode=form&id=b1e6b57e580187052477dd90ca37992d&tab=core&tabmode=list.