California engineer's chainsaw-wielding humanoid robot sparks viral debate
A 7-foot, chainsaw-armed robot named Threehalves, created by California entrepreneur Beau G., has gone viral on X, drawing mixed reactions while the prototype aims to improve safety in forestry work.
Beau G., a 40-year-old engineer from California, introduced a 7-foot humanoid robot named Threehalves, which brandishes a chainsaw and is operated through a joystick. The robot, styled as a female satyress, went viral on X after a post by Drone Wars gathered over 10 million views, eliciting a blend of panic, jokes and memes. Designed to make forestry and utility line-clearing safer, the prototype lets operators control the chainsaw from a distance, aiming to prevent injuries from falling limbs.
Development began after Beau’s personal experience with storm-damaged trees and observations of PG&E’s extensive tree-clearance work. Over the past year and a half, he and a new engineering partner have invested more than $150,000 in components, though the robot’s legs remain non-functional. While still a prototype, Beau hopes the system will lower workers’ compensation costs and make the job less physically taxing.
Why it matters
The robot could change how dangerous forestry tasks are performed, potentially improving worker safety and reducing costs.
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