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posted by LaminatorX on Wednesday February 26 2014, @02:00PM   Printer-friendly
from the I-for-one-welcome-our-new-Chainsaw-Bot-overlords dept.

Sir Garlon writes:

"Researchers in Japan have developed a chainsaw-wielding robot that climbs trees and prunes off limbs. Such pruning is currently done by humans, who can't always use a cherry picker and sometimes have to climb the tree and operate the chainsaw one-handed. That is, not surprisingly, rather dangerous. The robot is still experimental, and it's remotely operated, not fully autonomous. But it's an impressive gadget none the less. Robots with chainsaws, what could possibly go wrong? Linked article includes video."

 
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  • (Score: 5, Interesting) by weeds on Wednesday February 26 2014, @02:37PM

    by weeds (611) on Wednesday February 26 2014, @02:37PM (#7293) Journal

    Do I dare say that?

    Anyhow, this is the first try and they make it clear there is work to be done:

    "Most of the testing of this robot has so far been in an "experimental forest," where the trees seem to be all about as straight and perfect as a sprouting telephone pole. Continuing research will involve making the robot a bit more robust towards different sorts of trees and foliage,..."

    Starting Score:    1  point
    Moderation   +4  
       Interesting=2, Informative=1, Funny=1, Total=4
    Extra 'Interesting' Modifier   0  

    Total Score:   5  
  • (Score: 1) by ikanreed on Wednesday February 26 2014, @02:51PM

    by ikanreed (3164) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday February 26 2014, @02:51PM (#7310) Journal

    Previously unheard of technology has limited applications while edge cases are developed for. That doesn't mean it's not an impressive usage of image processing and robot control systems.

  • (Score: 3) by mcgrew on Wednesday February 26 2014, @03:22PM

    by mcgrew (701) <publish@mcgrewbooks.com> on Wednesday February 26 2014, @03:22PM (#7328) Homepage Journal

    More like an alpha. Alpha: testing in-house. Beta: released to the public for final testing.

    --
    A man legally forbidden from possessing a firearm is in charge of America's nuclear arsenal. Have a nice day.