Centaur Robot Threehalfves Debuts to Enter Places Humans Can't
When a building collapses, flames spread, or toxic gas leaks, human rescue teams must first wait for safety. A new robot might change that.
California startup Satyress has unveiled Threehalfves, a two-meter-tall remote-operated centaur robot built for disaster zones.
Its four-legged base provides a low center of gravity for stability on rough terrain, while the humanoid torso can handle tools designed for humans.
Modular limbs allow quick attachment of chain saws, drills, and industrial screwdrivers, eliminating the need for custom equipment.
Operators control Threehalfves from a safe distance, and two units can fold to fit in a standard pickup truck bed for rapid deployment.
Field repairs are a key feature: standardized parts can be replaced in minutes, and pneumatic locks engage automatically on pressure loss or emergency command.
Pressure tanks can also be punctured to trigger mechanical locking, preventing uncontrolled movement.
Satyress has not yet disclosed pricing, delivery dates, or compliance with US and European industrial safety standards.
Previous centaur robots exist, such as Centauro and RoboSimian, but Threehalfves prioritizes practicality.
For a rescue robot, the true test is not in the lab but in fire, rubble, and chaos—and Satyress has yet to reveal the most critical details.