Robotic technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. But the ultimate in robotic technology today undoubtedly comes from Boston Dynamics, a spin-off from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Google. The company has a variety of robots with two legs, four legs, and wheels. They can run, leap, fly, walk, and climb buildings.
The newest robot from Boston Robotics is called “Handle.” This robot stands 6.5 foot tall, can travel at a speed of 9 miles per hour, and can even jump a height of four vertical feet! Handle can go up ramps, spin, bend, travel over uneven ground, stairs, and pick up and carry objects up to 100 pounds. It uses electric power to operate hydraulic actuators and can cover 15 miles on a single battery charge. The robots use sensor-based controls and computation to build complex, state-of-art robotic devices.
Handle joins a unique product line of sophisticated robots. See them all and be amazed!
Group Activities and Discussion Questions:
- Discuss the concepts of products, product line, and product mix.
- Bring up Boston Dynamics’s Web site and YouTube page: http://www.bostondynamics.com, and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vVhkEfw4nOGp8TyDk7RcQ.
- Show the latest video of Handle, plus other videos (these are guaranteed to get students excited).
- Using Boston Dynamics, illustrate the concepts of products, product lines, and product mix.
- Divide students into teams. Have each team come up with an example of other companies and state the products, product line, and product mix.
Source: Boston Dynamics, YouTube
