NEWS --- robotics --- AMERICA'S NEW CENTAUR ROBOT IS BUILT TO ENTER PLACES TOO DANGEROUS FOR HUMANS

NEWS --- robotics --- AMERICA'S NEW CENTAUR ROBOT IS BUILT TO ENTER PLACES TOO DANGEROUS FOR HUMANS SWIPE TO SEE MORE robotics Developed by U.S. startup Satyress, Threehalves combines a humanoid upper body with a four- legged robotic platform. The unusual "centaur" design isn't for appearance. It's built to work in places too dangerous for people. robotics Four legs provide far greater stability over rubble, steep slopes and uneven terrain than two legs. The humanoid torso still allows it to use the same tools designed for human workers. robotics Its job is to replace humans in the most dangerous environments. • Wildfires • Toxic and contaminated sites • Collapsed buildings and search & rescue • Mines and confined industrial spaces Instead of risking firefighters or rescue crews, operators can send the robot in first. robotics Threehalves can be fitted with different tools depending on the mission, including heavy equipment like chainsaws. The platform is also designed to supply electrical power and compressed air directly to those tools, reducing the need for additional equipment in hazardous environments. robotics Most companies are racing to build robots that look and move like humans. Satyress believes combining human-like manipulation with the stability of a quadruped could make robots far more useful for emergency response and industrial work. The result may look unusual, but it could keep people out of life-threatening situations.