12 insane tech projects DARPA is working on ...

MIT Cheetah Robot

This terrifying thing will be at the DARPA robotics challenge finals.

It can run at 22 km/h and jump hurdles.

Darpa Trials winner

Team SCHAFT's S1 robot finished first in the December 2013 DRC Trials

Controlling the robots

From a removed location, operators at the DRC Trials controlled their robots.

Cyborg moths

In 2009, DARPA made hybrid biological and electric insects -- a cyborg moth,
for instance. The latest iteration had an electrode inserted into the actual

living pupae when it was in its cocoon. As it developed, wires were incorporated 

into its body. Yeah, I'm cringing, too.

Competition

An artist's concept of robots competing in the challenge.

Drones

DARPA developed System of Systems Integration Technology 

and Experimentation to basically overhaul US military air power. 

This way, they can build open systems for drone and missile 

development.

Ground X-Vehicle Technology (GXV-T)

The DARPA website states: "GXV-T seeks to investigate revolutionary

ground-vehicle technologies that would simultaneously improve the mobility

and survivability of vehicles through means other than adding more armor,

including avoiding detection, engagement and hits by adversaries."

Atlas Unplugged

At least seven teams at the DARPA finals will be using Atlas Unplugged,

this bipedal robot developed by Google-backed Boston Dynamics.

The thing can stand up on its own, climb stairs, and walk around.

 A thought: What are the chances it could ride that MIT cheetah?

Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO)

This is to improve sniper effectiveness by allowing better rifle accuracy.

The 50-caliber round and sighting technology was developed to extend

 the range during day and night.

Z Man

These "gecko gloves" allow a human to scale vertical walls.

DARPA developed them for people fighting in urban terrain.

AlphaDog

Guess what? There are TWO robot cheetahs being developed by DARPA.

This one is out of Boston Dynamics. AlphaDog can run at up to 30 mph,

and uses a hydraulics pump to launch.

EATR system rendering

EATR is a robot that obtains its own fuel by consuming plants, or, stealing

 fuel from other sources. DARPA is working with Elbit Systems to develop

this autonomous vehicle that can sustain itself.