Although we have built a lot of machines to help us moving things around, such as pickup trucks, cargo planes, ships, etc., we still cannot totally free our hands from carrying heavy stuff. For example, in airports, we must use our hands to unload bags from airplane. Human power are still critical part of transportation.
US National guards unloading cargos from their plan
This is because all porter’s tasks are actually very complex. Cargos are varied from size and shape; routes of transporting involve stairs and slopes. Humans can keep balance easily even when they are carrying cargos walking on bumpy road, and they also can precisely grab or put any random object. Building a machine that replacing these human ability is a challenge.
Scientists are trying so hard for building this kind of machine that can replace porters. Recently, boston dynamic, a robotic technology company, announced their new robot called handle may be a perfect candidate for feature porters.
Handle is carrying a heavy bucket.
The new robot can grab a heavy item and move away by it self, just like a human grabbing a grocery bucket and taking it to home.
Handle is going downstairs
It has ability to go through complicated routes, such as stairs .
A lot of technologies from different area are involved in this amazing machine. One of the most important technology here is computer vision. It read and process all data read from the robot sensors to tell the robot where he is, where to go and where is the cargo. Automation also plays a important role here; it control all the motor a hydraulic joints. Therefore, robots can move and carry stuff with out falling down.
In the near future, when the price of this kind of robot reduce to a reasonable point. Our transportation system will be more efficient. Products from all over the world will be more achievable. In addition, with such abilities, robots like this can also be used in disaster rescue operations.
General cross-section view of a Dengue virus. From 
