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David and Goliath Engineered Into One: Microstructural Improvements Enhance Material Properties 

DARPA's MCMA program attempts to engineer the microstructure of materials to achieve new material properties and combinations of properties.
Exquisite buildings like the Eiffel Tower were made possible because of advances in structural engineering design methods. Truss structures, like the Eiffel Tower, are highly efficient; they can carry the same loads as solid structures, but at approximately one tenth of the weight. This weight and strength advantage is also what enabled the dramatic increase in building heights between 1885 and 1930, when buildings went from an average of ten stories to more than 100 stories, as epitomized by the Empire State Building. With its novel structural engineering, construction of the Eiffel Tower ushered in the age of the skyscraper.   News Release   Program Page 
DARPA's MCMA program attempts to engineer the microstructure of materials to achieve new material properties and combinations of properties.
Legged Squad Support System Web Feature 144

DARPA’s Four-Legged Robots Walk Out For Capabilities Demonstration

DARPA’s Four-Legged Robots Walk Out For Capabilities Demonstration 

Today, DARPA’s Legged Squad Support System (LS3) program demonstrated two robotic “pack mule” prototypes for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, and DARPA Director, Arati Prabhakar. The first platform underwent its initial outdoor test earlier this year and has matured through continual testing and improvements to the point that two functioning platforms have started to run through the paces similar to what they could one day experience carrying gear for a squad of Marines or Soldiers. The goal of the LS3 program is to demonstrate that a legged robot can unburden dismounted squad members by carrying their gear, autonomously following them through rugged terrain, and interpreting verbal and visual commands.  News Release  Program Page

Cheetah Web Feature 144

DARPA’s Cheetah Robot Bolts Past the Competition

DARPA Makes 10 Million Strides in the Race to Contain a Hypothetical Pandemic 

DARPA’s Cheetah robot—already the fastest legged robot in history—just broke its own land speed record of 18 miles per hour (mph). In the process, Cheetah also surpassed another very fast individual: Usain Bolt. According to the International Association of Athletics Federations, Bolt set the world speed record for a human in 2009 when he reached a peak speed of 27.78 mph for a 20-meter split during the 100-meter sprint. Cheetah was recently clocked at 28.3 mph for a 20-meter split. The Cheetah had a slight advantage over Bolt as it ran on a treadmill, the equivalent of a 28.3 mph tail wind, but most of the power Cheetah used was to swing and lift its legs fast enough, not to propel itself forward.  News Release   Program Page 

Foldit Web Feature 144

Crowdsourcing Breakthrough Treatments for Blood Infections

DARPA Makes 10 Million Strides in the Race to Contain a Hypothetical Pandemic 

If asked how today’s toughest medical problems are being solved, most people would probably envision highly skilled physicians and scientists working countless hours with sophisticated lab equipment, not people sitting in their homes playing computer games. Yet DARPA feels the gamers of the world have something to contribute. By pooling the time of hundreds or even thousands of computer users, DARPA hopes to accelerate new research into better treatments for sepsis—an overwhelming infection of the bloodstream that affects thousands of servicemembers each year and often leads to death.  News Release  Program Page 

Spheres Web Feature 144

SYNCHRONIZED TUMBLING: HOW TO CATCH A RETIRED SATELLITE

SYNCHRONIZED TUMBLING: HOW TO CATCH A RETIRED SATELLITE 

In space, there are no brakes. Active satellites and spacecraft achieve controlled movement with thrusters. Retired satellites, on the other hand, no longer controlled from Earth, tumble in their orbits through space while traveling at high speed. A spacecraft seeking to rendezvous with such a satellite must perform a delicate dance to safely approach and synchronize movements. With the help of teams of individuals from around the world, DARPA is beginning to determine the steps required. Their work could inform the design of autonomous control mechanisms for all manner of complex future space operations.  News Release   Program Page

Max Mobility Web Feature 144

Hiding in Plain Sight

Hiding in Plain Site Web Feature 

This robot is made of silicone. It can walk, change color and light up in the dark. It can even change temperature. And it can do all of this for less than $100. In the future, robots like this might be made for just a few dollars.  News Release     Program Page 
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