It’s Just Cool: The T-52 Enryu Rescue Robot
By Sean O'Hara
If there is a definition of “cool” that doesn’t include a huge robot that has a bulldozer for feet and can lift a half a ton with just one of its big-ass hydraulic arms, I refuse to accept it. But the fact that the T-52 Enryu’s operators use it to save people’s lives blows its cool factor right into orbit.
The Enryu was created in Japan back in ‘04 to assist in post-avalanche rescue operations, but it can also accept a variety of modifications to handle such tasks as lifting heavy hazardous materials. With a bulldozer-style track system, it’s right at home on uneven and soft ground, and its two articulated hydraulic arms — complete with gripping “claws” – can lift up to a ton between them.
And yes, they are for sale to the general public: for about $500,000 you can live out your own Transformers/super hero/exo suit fantasy, amazing your friends at a backyard BBQ or saving a stranded motorist stuck in an blizzard without ever leaving the comfort of your own robot.
T-52 Enryu [Tmusk Robotics]
April 12th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Sadly with all the ginormous SUVs on our highways a robot that can only lift 2,000lbs isn’t going to accomplish a whole lot.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Yeah…. 2k lbs isn’t a lot for auto work, but that thing is still damn cool!
April 13th, 2007 at 4:43 am
[...] Our understanding of the state of robotics in use in the United States for emergency work is that they’re largely limited to EOD (explosive ordinance and demolition) work - as applied in the domestic context, evaluating, transporting, and disarming suspected explosive devices. [...]
April 13th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Luckily the Japanese (and most Europeans) have much smaller cars. I’m sure this will come in handy anywhere not in lust with their big-arse autos