A lifelike anthropomorphic man robot is able to walk on two legs, as well as perform push ups and other feats of strength.
The robot, designed by Boston dynamics (the same people who brought us the Big Dog and Alpha Dog robots) builds upon earlier technology that the makers have been perfecting for years.
This machine is dubbed the PETMAN, short for Proection Ensemble Test Mannequin. As you can see from the video, it’s able to walk (or maybe “trot” is the proper word), do push ups, dips, squats and a variety of other exercises and maneuvres.
According to our source, this model is being developed for defense projects and is expected to be used in situations that would simulate human physiology and movements.
Standing at an even 6 feet tall and weighing in at 180 pounds, this robot matches the height and size of the average fit male. Able to wear clothing and other protective gear, operators will be able to test the robot in a variety of conditions.
Unlike other bipedal robots, like Honda’s Asimo, this is the first time we’ve been able to see a robot which accurately mimics actual human actions and moves, well, less like a robot and more like and actual person. Were it not for the fact that it currently looks like a creepy skeleton or a low key Terminator robot, one of these machines could easily be geared up to look like one of us.
Considering that this robot is basically the fruits of only a few years of research and design engineering, it’s likely that in the not too distant future we are going to start seeing some improvements on this model. I wonder how long it is before our friendly little house hold robots start to become more like fully replicated servants. Is iRobot really all that far off? I guess we’ll see. Either way, enjoy the video!
