Robotic Rescue Soldier The Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot (BEAR)

The New Scientist is reporting that the US army is developing a 1.8 meter tall remote controlled robot codenamed Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot (BEAR) that will be able to travel over bumpy terrain to rescue injured or fallen soldiers. The prototype Bear can lift more than 135 kilograms with one arm, and is being developed by Vecna Technologies of College Park, Maryland. Recently the robot was shown climbing up and down stairs carry a life sized dummy.


The BEAR robot can also carry heavy loads over long distances without tiring like a human soldier. The robot can also carry a soldier while kneeling or lying down to avoid detection. The robot's hydraulic arms are designed to pick up loads in a single smooth movement, to avoid causing pain to wounded soldiers. Tracks on both the thighs and shins allow the robot to climb easily over rough terrain or up and down stairs while crouching or kneeling. Computer-controlled motors adjust the position of its lower body accordingly to prevent it toppling over.

The Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot (BEAR) should be ready for field testing in about 5 years

Source: Botmag via New Scientist