Sensors,
including infrared stereovision and a rotating laser for light detection and
ranging (LIDAR), allow the robot to see through smoke. It can take
measured steps and handle hoses on its own, but currently takes instructions from researchers.
Future design
blueprints include equipping the robot with enhanced intelligence,
communications capabilities and battery life. But even a smarter version of the
robot would work with a human team. "We're working toward human-robot teams," McKenna said. "It’s what we call the hybrid force: humans and robots working
together."
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