Posted Mar 28, 2008 at 04:28AM by David T. Listed in: Robots, Wireless, News Tags: Wiimote, U.S. Army, David Bruemmer, Douglas Few
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The Nintendo Wiimote complete with grip and sleeve - Image 1Nintendo Wii technology is being used for physical therapy and surgeon training these days. The U.S. Army, however, is using it for another purpose: bomb disposal. Thanks to engineers David Bruemmer and Douglas Few, soldiers may now have an easier time controlling Packbot, the military's bomb-defusing robot.

Bruemmer and Few adapted the Wiimote's wireless, 3D motion-detecting technology to act as the robot's new controller. Soldiers may command Packbot to sniff out explosives, check for landmines and defuse both. The engineers said that the Wiimote makes for more instinctive robot control than traditional controllers.

Breummer and Few are also reportedly working on adapting the Apple iPhone for the US army. The iPhones will supposedly replace the laptops that soldiers normally use to collect data from robots like Packbot.

[Via United Press International] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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   by Mister Common Sense - 2008-03-28
 » .

At least the robot and the building are the only things to be lost when imprecise motion controls make a critical error.


   Re: The Obsidian - 2008-03-28
 » .............

wow so you know if that really happend someone could die right?... Its wouldnt be funny then would it? You *****got prick you and another thing why would the US army the most powerful one in the world use this if it wasnt going to work well??.... Me i think this is awesome and further more tells everyone just how cool and even helpful the wii is so sorry mister sense you PHAIL again XD

   Re: demondirk - 2008-03-28
 » boy m sense

i knew were a loser. but to think that you also hope people will die. what scum

   Re: MyDixieNormous - 2008-03-28
 » Are you serious?

You think that's funny? You really need to grow up dude. Why don't you use what's in your name: common sense; if you dislike the wii THAT much, what would be the logical thing to do? STOP COMING TO THE SECTION!!! There's other sections on this site you know, why don't you try visiting them some time!!
   by The Obsidian - 2008-03-28
 » Mister sense

You are unbearable you know that? Man i only come here cause this site has real good news but im thinkin of lookin at other sites more....


   Re: Billie - 2008-03-28
 » Seriously...

Yeah I know what you mean. He ruins any intellegent conversation or arguments that take place on these here boards. I don't think that we are the only ones who think this, and its a shame that Douche Sense is preventing web hits for qj.net.

   Re: BIH - 2008-03-28
 » Why?

Dont qj just ban him from the Nintendo sections, as thats where he trolls.

   Re: Mister Common Sense - 2008-04-01
 » If you banned me,

Then you wouldn't get up to the minute information how bad the Wii sucks.

   Re: demondirk - 2008-04-01
 » sigh

i feel sorry for idiots like you m sense


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