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Sandia concept transfomer drone would fly, swim and roll

Posted by Chris Anderson on November 16, 2013 at 4:17pm

This concept from Sandia National Labs could be used for stealth one-way missions. From Wired:

Thus far, Sandia has built and conducted limited testing on conceptual hardware, designating it a “mature concept.” Next on the list is to secure funding for the prototype and approach industry partners to turn the concept into reality.

Multi-Modal Vehicle does have its limitations. Because it sheds parts and material as it transforms from one mode to another, recovery is almost impossible — making every mission an expensive one-way trip.

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Comments

John Githens November 17, 2013 at 1:08pm

After reading the Wired article (wow, a jumping rover!), I liked seeing another example of an unmanned vehicle that can operate in multiple physical environments. For a while, at some cost both financially and to the environment. Quite a contrast to this video about several vehicles being used together for a civilian purpose, each of which is optimized for one operating environment. Also interesting that the Sandia video focuses on only one of several incoming vehicles, and only on its transformation stages after it dives into the water. There may be other Sandia videos that illustrate other vehicle transformations, depending on the chosen contact point during a mission. Chris, thanks for sharing this.
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Morli November 17, 2013 at 8:03am

Stirred but not shaken :)

I assume all the parts are water soluble for few reason namely , leaving bread crumbs to follow, avoid reverse engineering, marine contamination, etc.

Good luck finding funding.
Harry November 17, 2013 at 7:47am

Looks like they got the swimming mode idea from Dr. Evil.
Acorn November 17, 2013 at 6:48am

Not sure about the efficiency of flippers but the eggbeater tires look like they would work through sand. Need a prototype.
Vince Hogg November 17, 2013 at 6:13am

We didn't see what happens next. Was it delivering a Watchtower Magazine?
Jack Crossfire November 17, 2013 at 12:03am

Hobbyking can build it.
Harry November 16, 2013 at 7:57pm

I'd bet when something like this gets used, there won't be anybody left to scavenge parts after it does the deed.

I do think the whacky stuff should be left to Disney and Pixar to save us a few trillion.
Phil Gordon November 16, 2013 at 7:07pm

Nice video,Did I see a coffee machine on there as well?
Brian Stott November 16, 2013 at 6:41pm

@ Chris Card - Nope! Bond is too smart to have a fall apart leaving stuff everywhere. His are blown apart.

@ Gary McCray - Yeah! Hilariously D.U.M.B. concept! Each piece vital for the craft in some previous mode each costing $Millions and leaving more trash. And as you say leaving it for THEM to build one. But, hey they could sell it as a Reef replenishment program. Nah, Still pretty silly idea. Better if they just watched the kids move -- Incredibles for the concept implementation.
Gary McCray November 16, 2013 at 6:28pm

Guess you could tag along behind it and pick up the parts and make your own multi modal vehicle.

Oops I guess I wasn't supposed to say that.