April 14, 2023

Rise of the Machine | Marines Test Load-Bearing Robotic Mule for First Time

"The goal of this machine is to go where the warfighter goes while carrying the load." — Kevin Blankespoor | chief engineer on the Legged Squad Support System project Marines test the capabilities of the Legged Squad Support System for the first time. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, put the system through its paces at Fort Devens, Mass., Nov. 5-7, 2013. The system, or LS3, is designed to reduce the load Marines carry in combat, can reach speeds of 6 mph and carry up to 400 pounds. The LS3 was created by Boston Dynamics with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and is currently being tested by the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Mike V. Walters)

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