A robotic mule nicknamed 'Cujo' is working with the Marines to carry heavy loads. Currently, 'Cujo' is being tested as part of the training experiment, 'Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014' in Hawaii.
A robotic mule nicknamed 'Cujo' is working with the Marines to carry heavy loads. Currently, 'Cujo' is being tested as part of the training experiment, 'Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014' in Hawaii.
'Cujo' is officially called 'The Legged Squad Support System' or LS3. It was developed by Boston Dynamics and reportedly spent 5 years as a concept.
It took about $2 million to make 'Cujo' a reality but now the robot mule can venture across rugged terrain right alongside Marines, while carrying most of their load. The robot is pre-programmed to follow an operator.
'Cujo' can also detect obstacles and maneuver around them. Thus far, testing has been a success.
One Marine, Lance Cpl. Brandon Dieckmann commented "I thought it was going to be stumbling around and lose its footing, but it's actually proven to be pretty reliable and pretty rugged..There are times when it is going to fall over, but most of the time it can self-right and get back up on its own."
As a bonus, if 'Cujo' does hit the ground and can't get up without help, the design allows a Marine to easily tip it back upright. 'Cujo' is being used as a logistical tool rather than a tactical one due to the noise and issues with certain terrains.
