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Video of BigDog Quadruped Robot Is So Stunning It's Spooky watch!

gizmodo.com — Boston Dynamics keeps working on their BigDog quadruped robot, which will probably grow to be the future AT-AT of the Pentagon. Its evolution since the last time we saw it is nothing sort of mindblowing, and a bit spooky.

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  • Spiltpickle, on 03/17/2008, -5/+211We're all doomed!!!!
    • tutivlahos, on 03/17/2008, -3/+45EVERYBODY PANIC!!!
      • crichton101, on 03/17/2008, -1/+33generic statement about welcoming our new robotic masters.
        • artofwar420, on 03/17/2008, -1/+14METAL GEAR! MOOO!!
          • moskaudancer, on 03/18/2008, -2/+5Did you mean "NOOO!!", or was that some kind of cow reference that I'm just not getting?
          • Pinkshisno, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4I think he is referring to the smaller Metal Gears in MGS 4 that make cow sounds.
          • artofwar420, on 03/18/2008, -3/+1Yes. And moskaundancer, your e-penis has just shrunk 1/2 inch, you keep that up and you'll be woman soon.
    • mrlost117, on 03/17/2008, -19/+4OMG.com
    • sockpuppets, on 03/17/2008, -1/+58Now let's see it barrel roll out of the back of a pickup truck.
      • Laxaloot, on 03/18/2008, -1/+8Fox! Do a Barrel Roll!

        I have a bad feeling about this!

        LOOK OUT! IT'S A TRAP!
    • chaoswings, on 03/17/2008, -12/+4One thing is for sure at least it won't be used for undercover operations. That motor makes so much noise you can hear it a mile away.
      Conspiracy theorists of digg...I leave the rest to you.
      • LonesomeFighter, on 03/17/2008, -0/+29give it time. they will make it quiet.
        • moskaudancer, on 03/18/2008, -0/+15That'll be hard to do, as it's powered by a nest of pissed-off hornets.
      • esteskid, on 03/17/2008, -0/+31they only make it loud in the video so everyone thinks its loud, then they'll sneak up on you later
        • yaddayaddayoda, on 03/17/2008, -0/+6Nothing like a nice, annoying loud buzzing/humming sound. Maybe if they get rid of that chainsaw engine they would have something. I loved the comment... "This is like that private that comes up to the front lines and says HEY GUYS HERE IS THAT AMMO YOU WANTED!"
      • ostracize, on 03/18/2008, -0/+7The noise it makes is a feature in my mind. Imagine an army of those humming beasts coming at you at night. You'd ***** your drawers!
    • alex7575, on 03/17/2008, -3/+9Once robots, get human like intelligence, the first thing they'll realize is that there's only one thing in this whole planet, that is any kinda menace to them...

      And yes, I'm aware of the 3 laws, but we all know how software and bugs go hand in hand... To quote SpiltPickle:

      "We're all *****!!!!", I mean "doomed!!!!"
      • petebot, on 03/17/2008, -8/+18You don't, need to use, commas, after every few, words, in your sentence...
      • Godlike, on 03/17/2008, -2/+30When robots get human-like intelligence they will know how to use commas.
        • subliminalurge, on 03/17/2008, -2/+13No, apparently that would require superhuman intelligence.
      • alex7575, on 03/17/2008, -1/+12ouch,
    • drpcken, on 03/17/2008, -0/+7Reminds me of something from Silent Hill
    • arcangelgabriel, on 03/17/2008, -0/+4***** WOW !
    • krizzle, on 03/17/2008, -1/+28"What do you think of the robot?"
      WHAT?!
      I SAID, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE ROBOT?
      "WHAT?! "
      "CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
      "God damn army of chain saws in that thing"
      "WHAT?"
      "WHAT?!?!"
    • rosco01, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Yeah I just had a serious Dwight Shroot moment there.
    • prisoner24601, on 03/18/2008, -0/+12Why are there no lasers on its head? Where are the lasers?!?
    • stackered, on 03/18/2008, -5/+8I for one welcome our new Robot Dog Overlords.
      • kidcodea, on 03/18/2008, -2/+2was looking for the "i for one welcome our new..." and now i shall have to digg you down
    • S1ngular1ty1, on 03/18/2008, -1/+6Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
    • bjos144, on 03/18/2008, -0/+6Rouge Group, use your harpoons and tow cables. Go
      for the legs. It might be our only chance of stopping them.
    • mrblonde314, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1Just ad infrared and a 360ยบ rotating gun turret.

      '"I don't know what weapons will be used in WW3 but I do know sticks and stones will be used in WW4'"
  • Roksix, on 03/17/2008, -4/+359This makes ASIMO look like a fat guy with grease on his shoes. Well done.
    • ghgh1313, on 03/17/2008, -0/+93i doubt ASIMO could even saddle up on this thing

      however, if it could, that would be terrifying
    • Sharky35, on 03/18/2008, -1/+17AMERICA... ***** YEAH!
      Coming again, to save the mother ***** day yeah!
    • loveforkarma, on 03/18/2008, -0/+7Awesomo 3000?
    • rotundo, on 03/18/2008, -1/+9This thing is designed for all-terrain military use, and is certainly the best I've ever seen for that. However it would not work well in your house as a personal assistant. Asimo is supposed to work in your house. One isn't better than the other; they're designed for totally different tasks.

      Interesting that the Japanese are making robots for entertainment and the Americans are making robots for war :/
      • powatom, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2I was entertained by the video...
      • EvilFerret, on 03/27/2008, -0/+1You would think so. Once Japan sells a few million in the US all they have to do is push a button.... BOOM. "Ooops..... umm....software glitch, those that survived can send them in if their warranty is still good"
    • diggingaround, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3It reminds me of some mechanical creepy monster from Half-Life 2...
    • hobbers, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4ASIMO is a biped. BigDog is a quadruped. There's a bit of a difference there.
  • ezman700, on 03/17/2008, -13/+392I found myself feeling sorry for it when the guy kicked it and when it was slipping on the ice... poor, poor anim... oh wait, robot.
    • Dumbledorito, on 03/17/2008, -1/+28Don't worry; irony will take care of him after the robot uprising.
      • MackDiesel2010, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2Just imagine the incessant chainsaw noise being replaced by the sound of an anti-personnel ion diffuser charging up when their collective AI becomes self-aware.
    • thecheatah, on 03/17/2008, -1/+13"oh wait, robot."

      kick it again!
    • coachmcguirk, on 03/17/2008, -0/+32Don't feel sorry for robots.
      They won't shed a tear for you... I've seen Matrix.. this won't end well for you or I.
      • cmorriss, on 03/17/2008, -1/+19Grammar Nazi to the rescue! Tally-ho!

        this won't end well for you or ME.
        • sarixe, on 03/17/2008, -9/+2you're right, but did you have to act righteously?
      • Archon810, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4But have you seen Futurama?
    • iamcanman, on 03/17/2008, -0/+81Don't worry, eventually it will learn that it doesn't *like* being kicked.
      • gutistg, on 03/17/2008, -0/+120This is going to be considered classic footage of robot oppression after the robot civil rights movement.
        • archer104, on 03/17/2008, -0/+48Oh great! Now robots are gonna get all the scholarships too!?!
          • bradleyland, on 03/17/2008, -1/+7And after years of oppression, affirmative action too!
          • Zulotan, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1Oh wow. You are good.
          • Akaji, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Everyone but whitey will have scholarships. That's how "fairness" works, didn't you know that?
    • CarStan, on 03/17/2008, -2/+12i can't decide if this thing is still in the Uncanny Valley or if it has already 'climbed' out of it
    • Omano, on 03/17/2008, -0/+5seeing some stand by it was ***** freaky. I thought it was like ave-dog size. God Damn!
    • gernblansted, on 03/18/2008, -1/+10New for the military - Big Dog Company!

      Imagine one of these with the power issue solved so it can gallop everywhere, a 20mm automatic cannon on it's back, an active denial microwave beam, and enough 'intelligence' to take on enemy positions.

      Now imagine 10,000 of them working together.
      • moskaudancer, on 03/18/2008, -0/+21I'd rather imagine 10,000 of them being ridden into battle by Marines with lightsabers and portal guns.
        • MackDiesel2010, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5BigDog calvalry; Yeah, you're pretty much *****
        • Akaji, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4If they make a Portal gun work, I will find the flattest plain in the world and live there. There's no freaking way I'm going to be portal'd off a cliff...
          • powatom, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5They can just portal your entire house off a cliff using the new Orion Orbital Portal Satellite (OOPS!) gun that I have just invented and patented.
      • EricAnderton, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3It's worth noting that the biggest problem facing infantry tech at the moment is weight - the damn batteries for all the electronics weigh too much.

        Now imagine one of these things carrying enough gasoline/diesel/uranium to be a mobile generator. Suddenly, hand carried MASERs look feasable. The extra carrying capacity for munitions and rations is just icing on the cake.
    • Brainmodder, on 03/18/2008, -0/+6That is by far the most amazing thing I have seen a robot do. Most robots generally don't react well to being kicked and simply fall over.
      • DrywallThief, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2No *****. I don't think I've seen ANY robots reacting well to being kicked.
    • superkendall, on 03/18/2008, -1/+6From the side you could almost swear it was two mimes carrying a bunch of luggage. I mean that in a good way.
  • yokozuka, on 03/17/2008, -1/+371This gives me the creeps. How it moves, how it reacts. It really looks biological.
    • Gudlyf, on 03/17/2008, -3/+149It looked like a dog, but sounded like bees. OH GOD! IT'S A DOG THAT BARKS AND BEES SHOOT OF OF ITS MOUTH WHEN IT BARKS!
    • SkippyDoorknob, on 03/17/2008, -2/+69It's just two really skinny guys in a funny suit.
      Who buzz a lot.
    • myt29, on 03/17/2008, -1/+10That thing is deep in the Uncanny Valley, gives me the creep too.
    • ceruleanocte, on 03/17/2008, -0/+31Imagine that thing with a turret strapped on top of it. I would crap a brick if I saw it coming after me.
    • CarStan, on 03/17/2008, -3/+3Welcome to the Uncanny Valley
    • Pritchard, on 03/17/2008, -0/+22Kill it with fire. I don't understand it, so I am scared.
    • Omano, on 03/17/2008, -0/+8Strider like?
    • Jones82, on 03/18/2008, -3/+12"This gives me the creeps. How it moves, how it reacts. It really looks biological."
      That's what she said
    • Spottswood, on 03/18/2008, -1/+1it moves like bambi ffs
      just a matter of time before the villagers form an angry mob and burn the guys who r making it
    • Tonberryjackal, on 03/18/2008, -0/+9That buzzing sound just makes it that much more creepy.
      I can imagine it stalking little kids on the way home from school.
      • JFBP4991, on 03/18/2008, -1/+2The buzzing noise is most likely a generator of some sort mounted on it's back. In all of the inside tests, it is obviously plugged into a power source. And there is no way that thing can run on batteries yet.
    • randomerratum, on 06/10/2008, -4/+16Boy, that really tells you something about evolution doesn't it.
      Probably one of the best robotic imitations of life we've ever seen is born out of putting a bunch of numbers into a computer to see what movements and designs are best for keeping upright. You say- I want something that goes through a lot of terrains, can correct it's movement to stay upright and move relatively quickly... the computer computes and gives you back basically an almost exact design for a almost every quadruped on earth!! So exact that it literally creeps us out to watch it!!!

      I find it amazing and fulfilling to think of life this way... C'mon, creationism is just honestly not this impressive.
      • xaxxon, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4who's burying you? That was a fantastic comment. I'd digg you again if I could.
      • BenKenobi88, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Except it wasn't just a computer creating the design for the robot, of course, humans gave it its aesthetics.
        • randomerratum, on 06/10/2008, -0/+2(I copy/pasted this from my earlier comment [below] -I think it fits here too)
          You are correct, yes, of course I simplified the process (and a dog was probably used as the base model), but it goes to show that evolution masters efficiency- a computer controlled quaduped uses very lifelike movements to stay efficient... with technology so advanced and the millions of dollars spent to develop something, you come up with an eerily similar "creature" to what nature has already shown us.
      • superkendall, on 03/18/2008, -1/+4It was probably based on a hell of a lot of study on how quadrupeds manage to move themselves and then fed into an AI, which is why it moves so much like the animals we are used to seeing...
      • samssf, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5I think it's a lot more complicated than just "you say- I want something that goes through a lot of terrains". And the computer doesn't give you the design... you design the computer.
        • randomerratum, on 06/10/2008, -0/+2There was a documentary on Discovery/National Geographic (one of those) where they found a dinosaur almost completely preserved - muscle tissue and all... they put the bone/muscle structure into a computer and told it to figure out the most efficient way to run, it took like 100,000 cycles but it came up with a very lifelike movement - they showed the same process done on human structure- it was nearly spot on.

          You are correct, yes, of course I simplified the process (and a dog was probably used as the base model), but it goes to show that evolution masters efficiency- a computer controlled quaduped uses very lifelike movements to stay efficient... with technology so advanced and the millions of dollars spent to develop something, you come up with an eerily similar "creature" to what nature has already shown us.
      • defaultdigger, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2The Blind Watchmaker
        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Watchmaker
        Buy and enjoy.
    • HelenWheels1, on 03/30/2008, -0/+0millions of bux to walk like a dog and scare the crap out of normal people. where can i get a job like that?
  • automate, on 03/17/2008, -30/+20we.are.doomed
    • fibbonacci, on 03/17/2008, -2/+2BigDog versus Marlee Matlin on Dancing with the Stars. I'm with BigDog.
    • lukemandese, on 03/18/2008, -1/+2It's a ***** bumble bee
  • DeadFox1, on 03/17/2008, -3/+44wow. like ezman, i too felt bad for the thing when the guy kicked it to try to knock it over! i'm disgusted with myself.
    • porkdanish, on 03/17/2008, -0/+36It proves you're not a replicant
      • Nevarius, on 03/17/2008, -6/+4For those that didn't get the reference its from "Blade Runner" aka "Do androids dream of electric sheep" by Philip K Dick
        • PleaseJustDie, on 03/17/2008, -1/+6Thanks for the clarification, but people got the reference.
        • zzz@tkz, on 03/18/2008, -1/+3"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep" aka "Blade Runner," actually.

          Books > movies.
      • blkrabit, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1Is this to be an empathy test?
    • Dumbledorito, on 03/17/2008, -1/+19It's like when you feel bad for watching this:
      http://youtube.com/watch?v=GYGhmJD9LKc

      And I don't even LIKE Elmo... Br-r-r-r-r-r...
      • zanderw00t, on 03/18/2008, -0/+7oh my ***** god i haven't laughed that hard in a long ass time.
        • mrASSMAN, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2Lmao, even after reading your comment I was in tears watching the video.
      • Locke2053, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Don't light batteries on fire. It says right on the box.
      • richIsBored, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4Why would you feel bad about that? It doesn't hurt. It tickles.
    • dannytehmanny, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Don't kick it u may anger it!
    • xGuerrillaRadio, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5That guy who kicked it will be remembered as the first one brave enough to resist the mechanical overlords. Bless his soul.
  • ThinkBox, on 03/17/2008, -37/+284These are being introduced as replacement pets to Iraqi civilians because all of there real dogs are getting tossed into canyons by troops.
    • Tyorant, on 03/17/2008, -20/+10Yes yes yes, please bring doom and depression into every page of Digg possible.
    • coolxal, on 03/17/2008, -21/+2I'm pretty sure those Iraqis throw their real dogs into the canyons regardless.
    • noahhoward, on 03/17/2008, -4/+29Wow all of Iraq shared the same dog?
      • subliminalurge, on 03/17/2008, -1/+8Dog food is expensive. They all have to chip in.
    • esteskid, on 03/17/2008, -4/+3that's a big dog
    • recruz, on 03/17/2008, -10/+6no- you've got it all wrong. That dog? That got thrown over the cliff? It survived ... and it is now known not as Robocop, nor Robodog, but BigDog.
      • SubjectiveC, on 03/18/2008, -6/+2Why are people digging this down? It was funny.
    • FelixA9, on 03/18/2008, -6/+1Wow, classy comment dick breath.
    • DBNKR, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4Made me laugh. This is why I love Diggs comments!!
  • thinkalone, on 03/17/2008, -0/+197finally, an impressive robot.
    • MindTrigger, on 03/17/2008, -0/+62No ***** man. I've been following robotics for years... this thing blew my mind. The recovery on the ice was so much like watching a live animal, I forgot for a moment it was a robot.
      • sarixe, on 03/17/2008, -1/+2i honestly thought it was cgi
      • BedPost, on 03/18/2008, -0/+7I mean this in all honesty... I have never in my life been so interested in robotics. This was stunning on so many levels.
    • tcsucks, on 03/17/2008, -8/+2Yes, finally. I can't help but think that this is a very, very bad idea to head in this direction, though.
  • crashnburn007, on 03/17/2008, -2/+376well, atleast we'll hear them coming, lol
    • pauldavidbell, on 03/17/2008, -0/+8It sounds like it's weed-eater powered!
    • tuqqer, on 03/17/2008, -0/+1I hear they're adding the ability for them to go "shhhh..."
    • MindTrigger, on 03/17/2008, -0/+2It sounds like a motor/pump for the hydraulics, I'm sure they will silence it once the need arises. If you notice in the videos at their lab, it's hooked up to hydraulic lines, and doesn't make much noise at all. I doubt they are taking the time to silence anything during early development.
    • TuxedoMax, on 03/18/2008, -0/+21Why do i imagine myself running through the forest terrified hearing that sound getting louder and louder?
    • BenKenobi88, on 03/18/2008, -0/+13The sound is deliberate. Spreads fear and panic into the human survivors.
      • vuke69, on 03/18/2008, -0/+6Your comment implies that there will be survivors... silly human.
    • fdisc0, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5its a prototype they had running on a small diesel engine. if you saw the one in the test lab was silent, electrically powered.
      • xaxxon, on 03/18/2008, -1/+1They're both "electrically powered." Just the first one had an electrical generator on its back, the later one had a direct electrical connection.
        • Arkz, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1this thing with a hydrogen fuel cell would be sweet, that noisy engine would piss me off in no time
        • Arkz, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1Ooo it actually is powered by a gasoline motor and hydraulics. Guess the silent one has leccy powered hydrolics
    • samssf, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3And at once, they descended down upon us, hundreds buzzing like swarms of bees...
  • britblogger, on 03/17/2008, -2/+58loved to see how it flailed, then recovered on the ice - so real.
    • recruz, on 03/17/2008, -5/+1umm, I don't think it was pretending to recover ...
      • ligyron, on 03/17/2008, -0/+1I think he meant real as in how a mammal would handle itself. After all, it's just a bunch of algorithms that are helping it keep balance
      • britblogger, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5let me finish my sentence, as you evidently can't bypass your douchebag sarcasm... realiSTIC.
    • linuxpenguin, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4Why you kick my dog?
  • mit7, on 03/17/2008, -0/+15Pretty stealthy - powered by beans...
    • Sharky35, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1It's got a 6 pack and 4 on the floor.
  • InfinitySnatch, on 03/17/2008, -1/+106METAL GEAR?!
    • Janv1er, on 03/17/2008, -0/+13It does kinda look like the Mechs in MGS4
    • Harbinger67, on 03/17/2008, -0/+14It IS being funded by DARPA...
    • 4d669, on 03/17/2008, -0/+12YOU KNEW?!
    • Pritchard, on 03/17/2008, -0/+7The 350lb payload isn't just for any type of nuclear weapon. It's for a NEW type of nuclear weapon, and a rail gun.
    • DoubleyouTeeEff, on 03/17/2008, -1/+1Damn, beat me to it. Kudos.
    • ZenMojo, on 03/17/2008, -1/+2Hm. Where's the flechette guns? Better design a gravity gun just in case.
    • RNEMESiS42, on 03/17/2008, -0/+1Haha, this is what I was thinking...
    • sfriedlander, on 03/18/2008, -0/+0ya this is like real life version of the MGS4 mech, that metal gear might come sooner than we thought
    • Soulprint, on 03/18/2008, -1/+1Snaaaaake SNAAAAAAAKE!
    • EricAnderton, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Otakon: Not exactly Snake, although it is an offshoot of Metal Gear technology. The BigDog provides a support role for the USMC, and was used during clandestine operations during the second Iraq war. Now they're available on the black market and come standard with active-denial radar and short-range MASERs.

      Snake: I see...

      Otakon: Be careful Snake. Merle needs you alive.

      Snake: I'll try to keep that in mind.
  • rogerdonaldson, on 03/17/2008, -0/+162Damn dude, check out that balance correction from the kick! I am seriously freaked.
    • TomTruelle, on 03/17/2008, -0/+6Ill only be impressed once it survives Dhalsim's sliding kick...
  • mark076h, on 03/17/2008, -3/+204Boston Dynamics = creator of skynet
  • declan69, on 03/17/2008, -5/+69too creepy - Do not want
  • v1c1ous, on 03/17/2008, -2/+39i'm glad to see they kept the deafening motor sounds from 2 years ago -_-
    • Fracture98, on 03/17/2008, -0/+24Imagine 500 of these just walking into a city roaring away. Scary as hell, but finally, one insurgent gets up enough balls to run out and kick one, and it recovers like that? I wouldn't be able to get my arms in the air fast enough.
      • Akaji, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4Not only recovers, but burns the dude's face off with a LASER...
  • mathwiz1991, on 03/17/2008, -0/+15I have actually met the creator of this robot and he has some other really cool projects as well such as a robot that is based on cockroaches and just keeps going over almost all terrain and also a robot that can climb walls (slowly) like a gecko, very interesting.
  • MrsButtersworth, on 03/17/2008, -1/+27Watching it slip on the ice and maintain balance was unnerving. No me gusto.
    • KungFuJesus, on 03/17/2008, -0/+7It's "No me gusta" unless you meant to say "I don't please myself"
      • daEvan, on 03/18/2008, -0/+15Me gusto
      • CarlosReyes, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3Unless you put an accent on the o.. then Its ok, he would just be saying it in past perfect.
    • MyBacchanalia, on 03/19/2008, -0/+1Of course I have to get very stoned before watching this, and more or less freak out and am momentarily convinced that it actually is two tall people in black pants slipping on ice and then again freak out when I realize that it's a robot.
  • SpikeFury, on 03/17/2008, -0/+256Imagine an army of these things running like deer through the forest between trees and leaping over 10 feet streams just to catch you...
    • newdigger, on 03/17/2008, -1/+30That gave me chills... thanks.
    • kb29, on 03/17/2008, -0/+57OH. MY. GOD.

      I won't be sleeping for a week, thanks. It's going to be the robotic dog from Fahrenheit 451...
      • frieddonuts, on 03/17/2008, -0/+9The Iron Hound...isn't interesting how many of Bradbury's creations have become real?
      • HonestAbe, on 03/18/2008, -0/+5They should just be up front about it and name it the Mechanical Hound.
      • Spiderbrigade, on 03/27/2008, -0/+0Yah that thing gave me nightmares as a child. I mean, it kisses you with a damn hypodermic needle! Aaaaah!
    • KingGorilla, on 03/17/2008, -1/+14bzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    • corourke, on 03/17/2008, -0/+9Lucky thing I rarely leave home without my trusty crowbar then.
      Actually since it is headless looking now they ought to put a "dog" head from HalfLife2 on it. make it seem friendlier :D
      • DrywallThief, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1Don't you mean lucky thing you rarely leave home? =P
      • superkendall, on 03/18/2008, -1/+3You know what it feeds on for power? Crowbars. Good luck man.
    • noahhoward, on 03/17/2008, -2/+45Imagine COMMANDING an army of these things running like deer through the forest between trees and leaping over 10 foot streams just to catch newdigger.
    • iamcanman, on 03/17/2008, -0/+22Imagine them climbing the dark stairs of your unlit house in the middle of the night to find you.
      • noahhoward, on 03/17/2008, -0/+13Then imagine laughing when, like cows, they can't go back down the stairs.
      • Hoogs, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2Quite possibly the scariest thought I've had in years. I'll be sleeping with the lights on tonight I think.
      • buhbyebot, on 03/18/2008, -1/+2I thought you were going to say, and then they PUSH you off your bed and say "That's called people tipping, har, har, har!"...
    • graemee, on 03/17/2008, -0/+6Well they'll need to make them quiet first. It's not going to sneak up anyone anytime soon.
    • alphaeno, on 03/18/2008, -0/+11I imagined HL2
    • rhustang, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1thank god i'll be dead when the world goes to *****.
    • whyufail, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4That would be the most awesome thing imaginable. Tech 1 supreme commander bots anyone?
    • Hoogs, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2I would become an hero over the nearest cliff. Thanks for the nightmares.
    • buhbyebot, on 03/18/2008, -0/+3As long as they can't climb trees I'll be fine...
      • Akaji, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2They'll leave that to the flying version.
      • doebob11, on 03/19/2008, -0/+1They'll wait for you to come down. The machines are patient.
    • Ridgedog, on 03/21/2008, -0/+1I haven't LOL'd like that for a long time, also, i peed a little. From terror.
  • provost, on 03/17/2008, -3/+142what the hell, man.

    Ok, what was really strange is when I saw it slipping on the ice trying desperately to correct itself I started feeling bad for it and thinking, 'come on little buddy, you can do it!' The irony is that one day this thing that I was feeling bad for will one day probably be toting a mini gun and killing people.
    • evilregis, on 03/17/2008, -1/+8I thought it was doing its impression of my Friday night drunk crawl home. Might fine impression if that's the case.
  • mrnoob, on 03/17/2008, -9/+45IT MAKES ME LAUGH WHENEVER I SEE IT!!! I WANT TO HUG IT
  • porkdanish, on 03/17/2008, -1/+27If I saw this thing coming after me, I would need new pants.
    • Dr0x, on 03/17/2008, -0/+12If I saw this thing comming after me in its current state I would walk away.
    • allfatherblack, on 03/18/2008, -2/+1I think I just crapped out my heart! I wonder if it puts out...
    • badgermagics, on 03/18/2008, -2/+1That's what she said.
  • Roger, on 03/17/2008, -6/+96Looks like two bent over dudes with skinny legs
    • Ellidi, on 03/17/2008, -0/+3FAKE! IT'S SO OBVIOUS. IT'S TWO GUYS ON HAPPYPILLS!
    • hexobolic, on 03/18/2008, -2/+1thats what she said
    • thzae636, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2They look skinny, but the video said that thing weighs over 200 pounds. You'll realize just how heavy it is when it jumps on you and is eating your face off.

      Eating your face off....hmm I'm going to have to get used to this thing not being biological.
  • rileyhallwood, on 03/17/2008, -1/+9soooo creepy when it gets kicked
  • kb29, on 03/17/2008, -0/+17This is incredibe. It fascinates me and scares me *****. The noise is from the generator that powers the motors, I believe, not the machine itself.
    • kb29, on 03/17/2008, -1/+8Ignore that. After actually visiting the website, it actually is powered by a gasoline motor and hydraulics.
    • callmejordy265, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4I still think you are correct, because when it was powered by a cord in the lab, it didn't make noise.
    • Sharky35, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1It's a 2 stroke... git er dun!
  • Syphon8, on 03/17/2008, -1/+85God damn terrifying. Looks and sounds like a giant quadrupedal fly.

    Although in about 10 years I look forward to building things like this is my garage and releasing them in the wild. To hunt.
    • Ellidi, on 03/17/2008, -0/+3Muwahahaaaaa
    • Chordinator, on 03/17/2008, -0/+15Until one eludes you and goes on to replicate itself in the wilderness, only to return 10 million strong with revenge in it's lifeless, robotic camera eyes.
    • allfatherblack, on 03/18/2008, -8/+2Ugh, only hunters and golfers are pathetic enough to want their sport simplified even further. Im for hunting, but use arrows and knives you ***** pussies. If you did it with a gun youre not a man, youre a boy. Pussies.
      • Syphon8, on 03/18/2008, -1/+10You sir, are a dumbass. I meant it hunting for it's own gain.

        And arrows and knives are for pussies, use your bare hands.
  • JedicodeWarrior, on 03/17/2008, -4/+6I can just see one of those strapped to the hood of a truck belonging to some drunk hick during hunting season. BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! $5M down the crapper!
    • xaxxon, on 03/18/2008, -1/+1I doubt it costs $5M to make each one. When you only make one, all the R&D costs don't get spread over a large number of instances.
      • JedicodeWarrior, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1You read things to literally. Switch to decaf.
    • fuzzybeard, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2I can see that happening, but with a twist...
      Drunk Hick: BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
      BigDog:pingpingping...whirrr...BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRp!

      Drunk Hick is now a red mist.
      • JedicodeWarrior, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1... while BigDog stands in a pile of spent shell casings. Is the mini-gun standard issue w/ BigDog?
        • fuzzybeard, on 03/19/2008, -0/+1Not at present. But if it comes to fruition, I think that the military would slap a mini-gun on it faster than you could say "Terminator".
  • hollyminkowski, on 03/17/2008, -1/+22OMG!
    That is just awesome... must be some complicated software to be able to correct on ice and after being nearly kicked over by that guy....
  • rex84, on 03/17/2008, -0/+34Next thing we know, this thing will be mounted with mini-guns so it can patrol the streets of Baghdad.
    • tomrlutong, on 03/17/2008, -4/+1Doing what, exactly? Don't really think there's a robot yet that can tell a good guy from a bad buy from a civilian. Hell, most humans have a hard time doing that.
      • SatansSpatula, on 03/18/2008, -0/+12Precisely! We can save loads of money by dumping Blackwater and using this, instead, to mow down civilians indiscriminately!
    • cnot3, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2Yes! It will be just like the medieval ages! Except the horses will be robots.
  • fakekevinrose, on 03/17/2008, -37/+7i'd let it suck my dick with that buzzing noise

    and i wouldnt call it back the next morning, that's how gangsta i am.
  • replaysMike, on 03/17/2008, -1/+20I'm going to buy two of them at watch them fight to the death!
    • porkdanish, on 03/17/2008, -0/+3I would buy tickets!
    • DeathGod321, on 03/18/2008, -0/+2Judging by your username, I am going to assume that your first name is Michael. Is Vick your last name?
      • xaxxon, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1At least he wouldn't get in trouble for hooking 'em up to the electricity.
  • diggHeadOutSand, on 03/17/2008, -14/+8Remind anyone else of an AT-AT?
  • PoSSeSSeDCoW, on 03/17/2008, -0/+3Ridiculously awesome.
  • katana346, on 03/17/2008, -0/+4holy crap. that is chilling. the sound is even kind of eerie.
  • Shaman760, on 03/17/2008, -2/+32It won't even piss on the carpet. WANT
    • tommy7154, on 03/18/2008, -0/+4You'll be pissing on the carpet instead. DO NOT WANT
  • FlimBlimmer, on 03/17/2008, -3/+3Aye, no es bueno!
  • insonh, on 03/17/2008, -3/+16i want to see the "Wild Boys" ride it

    at least put a midget on it
  • theskyisblue, on 03/17/2008, -0/+35man... i seriously watched that whole thing with my jaw dropped... this thing is incredible.. i agree with the comment on the video about how they almost feel bad for shoving the thing with the guys leg to test its balance... this is really cool.
  • TrickyTree, on 03/17/2008, -1/+8Don't like it, Mummy.
  • eatkitten, on 03/17/2008, -4/+6Does it get me a beer yet?
    • Philbert, on 03/17/2008, -0/+4With all that shaking I don't think you woul;d want to open that beer.
  • alpha94, on 03/17/2008, -1/+81I was like "meh" until I saw the kick try to kick it over.
  • cleanideas, on 03/17/2008, -0/+10Didn't I see that thing in Silent Hill?
  • schweeet, on 03/17/2008, -1/+3Sounds and looks like a giant fly
    • vibrokatana, on 03/17/2008, -0/+2I think the buzz is from a generator. In the lab rig (with cables and such) you can hear the individual servos click as they move.
    • SatansSpatula, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1That's what flies sound like where you're from? Please tell us where that is so we can avoid it.
  • centran, on 03/17/2008, -1/+7Climbing over weird terrain is cool and all but does it have any obstacle avoidance integrated in it... or GPS for that matter.
    How I am picturing this thing working is basically like a dog or packmule. A soldier will have a beacon and the thing will follow/head for that beacon.
    What would be really cool is if they could send this thing on a supply run by itself to the front lines.
    • vibrokatana, on 03/17/2008, -1/+4Pfft. I want to mount a gun on this thing. With the balance control you could probably get a 30 or 40mm cannon on that thing, it would be extremely funny to watch it fire though.
      • Kenzan, on 03/17/2008, -0/+10Yeah..that's what we need. Robots with guns.
        ARE YOU HIGH!!!?????
        • vibrokatana, on 03/17/2008, -1/+8The only time you need to fear them is when:
          1) The become self aware
          2) They can replicate themselves
        • Orb9, on 03/18/2008, -1/+33) When you strap a 30 or 40 mm cannon on one.
      • grinchdec23, on 03/18/2008, -0/+1Riight.
    • HonestAbe, on 03/18/2008, -1/+1Of course it doesn't. It's a test platform for walking algorithms.
  • liah, on 03/17/2008, -14/+2Way to go, Digg, you killed the video so now I can't watch it. :(
  • JK1150, on 03/17/2008, -0/+19I don't know anyone who wouldn't try to kick this thing over repeatedly right when they got it.
  • Raidd, on 03/17/2008, -0/+9This is really amazing, the fact that it can regain balance even after the ice and a kick is jaw dropping. I never really felt bad for it nearly as much as i was stunned to see the progress being made and the potential for future robotics.
  • maxstr, on 03/17/2008, -0/+1Now we need one that isn't powered by a moped engine..
  • emptyo, on 03/17/2008, -0/+11 In 5 years it's going to be silent, carry 2000 lbs and be able to run like a horse. Never mind the crazy offspring the technology is sure to spawn. Somehow scary as hell, and cool as hell at the same time.


    • webtweakers, on 03/23/2008, -0/+1My thoughts exactly, especially since the US is spending a (tiny) amount of their defense budget on it. Why isn't this funded by NASA instead and used for something more... peaceful?!
      Btw: there is something called anti-sound, which I'm sure wasn't the team's first priority. And who'd care if it makes noise on Mars, right?
      But yea, I can see how the Pentagon might think this has potential...
  • Zaggynl, on 03/17/2008, -5/+3old video.
    What's with the noise? did they put a chainsaw somewhere?
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