New Boston Dynamics Robots' 'Nightmare-Inducing' Feature: Wheels On Legs

Boston Dynamics has found new use for the wheel
New Boston Dynamics Robots' 'Nightmare-Inducing' Feature: Wheels On Legs - Their fearsome robots are now more mobile than ever, thanks to the introduction of wheels. YouTube screengrab

Boston Dynamics is well known for their collection of robots in the past -- in particular robots that could traverse just about any kind of terrain. These are heavy duty workers which will certainly be a boon on the battlefield, as they can not only follow soldiers wherever they go, our troops would have a lighter load to tote around. Well, Alphabet subsidiary Boston Dynamics has just upped the ante this time around by integrating an idea that will see one of the very first tools man made into their robots -- wheels.

Some of us might think, “How come it has not been done before?” Well, perhaps there was no need to put wheels on the legs of their quad-legged robots in the past. After all, if you were to navigate the harsh desert terrain or go through the rocky areas of the Middle East, or perhaps make your way through a war-torn area, there would rarely have any kind of flat terrain which wheels would be of any use. However, their past robots had extremely good balance -- despite being kicked over, they are able to get right back up without missing a beat. Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert’s idea of incorporating wheels into their robots is certainly impressive, albeit somewhat unsettling as well.

The new robot is known as Handle, where it will not only come with legs, but will have wheels as well. As you can see in the screenshot above, the Handle is touted to be more efficient compared to a robot that lacks wheels to go with its legs. Thanks to the presence of wheels, a small footprint is good enough for the Handle to be able to, er, handle large loads without any issues. Perhaps this is why it has been named that way.

The Handle is able to function the way it does thanks to a clever combination of both hardware and software. This juggling act allows the Handle to balance itself, and not only that, to also throw its weight around despite zipping around pretty quickly on its wheels. Heck, it even boasts of the ability to jump over an obstacle or object, now how about that? To showboat even more, the Handle is able to extend its arms while it performs an extended spin without throwing itself off balance.

Is Boston Dynamics working on lowering the cost when it comes to research and development of its prototypes? There were whispers on the ground that pointed to how Alphabet did attempt to put Boston Dynamics on the market in spring last year, and the two names that cropped up with a possible purchase were automaker Toyota of Japan and e-tailer Amazon of the US. However, nothing came to fruition with those two, leaving them as just rumors. As of last month, it seemed as though Alphabet is currently mulling over the possibility of selling its Terra Bella satellite unit to Planet Labs.

Handle as at press time does not look as though it will be ready for the masses just yet, but certainly taking the step to include wheels shows a more pragmatic side of Alphabet.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.