You guys remember Alpha Dog, the terrifying robot dog that Boston Dynamics built for the US military? Well they’re over terrifying robot dogs, and have moved on to terrifying robot people. Hence ‘PETMAN,’ their awful test dummy for demonstrating how chemical protection suits might affect soldiers trying to run, do push-ups or kill all humans.

The above video is actually showcasing a PETMAN upgrade, which has stronger arms, a smoother gait, and a better self-balancing capacity. Have none of you seen any of the Terminator films?

Says the Boston Dynamics release:

PETMAN is an anthropomorphic robot developed by Boston Dynamics for testing special clothing used by the US Army. PETMAN balances itself as it walks, squats and does simple calisthenics. PETMAN simulates human physiology by controlling temperature, humidity and sweating inside the clothing to provide realistic test conditions. PETMAN development is lead by Boston Dynamics, working in partnership with Measurement Technologies Northwest, Oak Ridge National Lab and MRIGlobal.

The PETMAN range would, eventually, be capable of providing assistance in places where humans would be at risk – high-radiation zones or burning buildings, for instance.

Boston Dynamics is working on giving them heads.

[Source: BD]