Much like a highly contagious strain of superflu, PSY’s Gangnam Style has penetrated every tier of society and has even managed to somehow find its way into the military and redirect otherwise well-spent funding to teaching a highly advanced robot how to perform the infamous dance.

Meet CHARLI-2, a five-foot tall humanoid robot designed to assist the navy. What sets CHARLI-2 apart from the rest of the bipedal robo-flock is its impeccable balance. Unlike its wheeled and tracked counterparts, it is able to navigate obstacles much like a human would, a very valuable ability on ships littered with steps, ladders and “knee-knocker” passageways.

In addition to its bipedal orientation, CHARLI-2 also boasts advanced software, more of which you can read about here. For now though, enjoy the video – and reflect on how making a highly-advanced, agile robot perform a horse-riding dance could affect its emotional state (if it had one) and need for retribution.

[Source: Wired]