Shawn’s Posterous

By Paul Rincon Science and environment reporter, BBC News

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The robot is able to leap over fences and walls

Video footage has been released of a robot that can leap over obstacles more than 7.5m (25ft) high.

Most of the time, the shoebox-sized robot - which is being developed for the US military - uses its four wheels to get around.

But the Precision Urban Hopper can use a piston-actuated "leg" to launch it over obstacles such as walls or fences.

The robot could boost the capabilities of troops and special forces engaged in urban warfare, say researchers.

The robot is shoebox sized and guided by GPS

The programme is being funded by Darpa, the US military's research arm.

Earlier this year, Sandia National Laboratories awarded the contract to build the next generation of the hopper to Massachusetts-based robotics firm Boston Dynamics.

Researchers at Sandia have tried out the robot on a variety of different surfaces.

The semi-autonomous, GPS-guided gadget could be used for surveillance in urban environments.

Its developers say this could potentially reduce troop casualties.

Testing and delivery of the Precision Urban Hopper is planned for late 2010.

The airlift rescue was helped by good weather, said coastguards

A driver "miraculously" escaped alive after his car plunged over a 200ft (61m) cliff in north Devon, coastguards have said.

The man was airlifted from the car at Hartland Quay at about 0500 BST by a coastguard helicopter.

He is being treated at North Devon District Hospital. The extent of his injuries has not yet been revealed.

Swansea coastguards said they were uncertain about why the car went over the cliff.

Steve Jones, Watch Manager of Swansea Coastguard said: "It's miraculous that the occupant was found alive in the car and was talking to coastguards.

"It beggars belief. I think he is very lucky to be alive this morning."

Rescuers lowered

Hartland and Westward Ho! Coastguard Rescue Teams found the car on the beach below the cliffs at 0524 BST.

Lights and equipment were set up on scene and the fire service was called to help.

A rescue helicopter was also scrambled along with an ambulance.

Two coastguard cliff rescuers were placed on a line and lowered to the site of the car, where they found a man inside alive.

A winchman was lowered onto the beach from the helicopter and the injured man was taken to hospital.

Mr Jones said: "Fortunately the weather was benign this morning which helped the extraction.

"The car is in no danger of being overtaken by the tide and a plan will be drawn up on how to remove the vehicle from its present position."

via news.bbc.co.uk

That's one lucky dude!