7-foot centaur robot with chainsaw arms built for dangerous rescue missions

A nearly seven-foot-tall centaur-like robot called Threehalves has gone viral after striking images of the horned, four-legged machine spread across social media, according to a report published Monday. The steel robot was built by Northern California engineer Beau G. and a small team working from a garage. It is designed to perform dangerous tasks in hazardous environments to keep people out of harm's way. The machine features a humanoid upper body, four-legged mobility, and modular arm mounts that can carry tools such as a chainsaw. The quadruped design lowers the robot's center of gravity, allowing it to traverse rubble, steep slopes, soft ash, and other uneven surfaces. Each joint incorporates passive friction that holds its position without consuming power when stationary. The pneumatic actuation system includes fail-safe mechanisms. If air pressure is lost, automatic brakes engage, and pin locks secure the limbs to prevent collapse. Exposed air reservoirs on the chest double as an emergency shutdown point. The robot features a humanoid upper body designed for intuitive teleoperation using a standard game controller or joystick from a safe distance. Quick-connect tool interfaces supply electrical power and pressurized air to attached equipment, enabling rapid tool changes in minutes. The report said the team has not announced pricing, availability, or whether Threehalves will meet regulatory requirements for widespread emergency service deployment.