[Chefelf]

Pentagon Explores Using Segways in Battle
Mon Dec 1, 3:04 PM ET  Add Technology - AP to My Yahoo!
By MICHAEL P. REGAN, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK - It's called the Segway Human Transporter, but the Pentagon (news - web sites) is drafting the two-wheeled scooter as part of a plan to develop battlefield robots that think on their own and communicate with troops.

The program is still in the research phase, so the self-balancing scooters aren't expected to report to boot camp anytime soon.

So far, university researchers armed with Pentagon funding have programmed Segway robots that can open doors, avoid obstacles, and chase soccer balls — all without human control.

Researchers say potential applications for the robots include performing search missions on the battlefield, transporting injured soldiers to safety, or following humans around while hauling their gear.

Dean Kamen, the Segway's inventor, told The Associated Press he had no qualms about enlisting his brainchild into the military.

http://story.news.ya...way_boot_camp_2

Thanks to the good doctor, Dr. Looney, for this one.

[looktothesky]

Oh, so the Segways' aren't gonna fight anybody? They're just going to transport things? That's disappointing...

[Despondent]

yeah, but not as dissapointing as when "it" was revealed. sky scooter is what I was hoping for. some anti-grav device. didn't kaman show it to jobs, spielberg et al and they were just BLOWN AWAY?

maybe if it was covered in chrome...

[Supes]

Ah we all know it's just an R2-D2 knock off. Much like Artoo or a Dalek let's see them function in really rough areas - or better still don't go into any staired locations...

[looktothesky]

I wonder what's it like to ride one of those down a really steep hill? lol.