WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: Robots to Get Boss Upgrades

The robots of tomorrow will look pretty much like robots of today -- except they will sport heftier CPUs, appendages and sensors. Mark Baard reports from Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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PackBot EOD's three-link arm extends to approximately 7 feet. The robot can automatically position its arm to give its operator the best possible view of a suspected explosive device. iRobot Chairman and Co-Founder Helen Greiner, right describes the action of the arm to an attendee.Mark Baard

See related story: Robots to Get Boss Upgrades

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A tractor retrofitted with sensors for terrain mapping and obstacle detection. Such systems, which are being developed at Applied Perception in Wexford, Pa., will have agricultural and military applications.

Courtesy of Applied Perception
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PackBot EOD's vision and targeting head includes a laser range finder/targeter that helps size objects and position disruptors.

Mark Baard
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PackBot EOD folds down into an easy-to-carry package.

Courtesy of iRobot
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PackBot EOD is a new version of iRobot's successful PackBot mobile robotics system. The robot in this illustration is removing a pipe bomb with its gripper device.

Courtesy of iRobot