How about this for a robot: bxbjZiKAZP4 Not so much like the humanoid ones previously posted but no doubt a whole load of fun. Steve
DARPA’s “Cheetah” Sets Land Speed Record for Legged Robots March 05, 2012 The use of ground robots in military explosive-ordinance-disposal missions already saves many lives and prevents thousands of other casualties. If the current limitations on mobility and manipulation capabilities of robots can be overcome, robots could much more effectively assist warfighters across a greater range of missions. DARPA’s Maximum Mobility and Manipulation (M3) program seeks to create and demonstrate significant scientific and engineering advances in robot mobility and manipulation capabilities. The M3 program pursues four parallel tracks of research and development: tool design, improvement of production methods and processes, improvement in control of robot mobility and manipulation, and prototype demonstration. This video shows a demonstration of the “Cheetah” robot galloping at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour (mph), setting a new land speed record for legged robots. The previous record was 13.1 mph, set in 1989. The robot’s movements are patterned after those of fast-running animals in nature. The robot increases its stride and running speed by flexing and un-flexing its back on each step, much as an actual cheetah does. The current version of the Cheetah robot runs on a laboratory treadmill where it is powered by an off-board hydraulic pump, and uses a boom-like device to keep it running in the center of the treadmill. Testing of a free-running prototype is planned for later this year. While the M3 program conducts basic research and is not focused on specific military missions, the technology it aims to develop could have a wide range of potential military applications. The DARPA M3 performer for Cheetah is Boston Dynamics of Waltham, Mass Source: DARPA http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2012/03/05.aspx
OK, everyone probably already seen this, but I just wanted to describe what I feel looking at this video. First, when I see it walking through the forest, I think of what it would feel like to meet it like this on my walk? I think I'd stay well away. Imagine if it had a gun? When it's moving boxes, I instantly thought about Amazon warehouse (and similar) and all the people who complain about hard working conditions. This thing would not complain. Ever. The future where there are no more low-skilled jobs for humans is so close! Obviously, the question is cost. When will it get cheaper to manufacture and maintain such a robot than to pay salary to a human? The guys at Boston Dynamics probably have their estimates. The scariest moment for me comes at 1:28 and then again later at 2:15 - the scenes where the robot is picking itself up for me symbolises the inevitability of their physical superiority over the human beings. These scenes make you look at Terminator from a different perspective. It's real now. You can't stop it (well, of course you can pull the plug haha, but this is where it's going). I certainly would not want this thing in my way. And, of course, the final scene - in your face symbolism. It's out there now! Mwhahahahaha!
Yes, I have been hearing about amazing robots who acts like human. I saw it also in one of the videos online. I saw a a robot who plays with a real dog.
