Robots - Fascinating and Creepy

The military is using a new robot pack mule called BigDog in the high elevations of Afghanistan. This machine was designed as a supply transport aid to troops as they pass over rough terrain on foot.

I'm in awe of how this thing moves, almost exactly like a lama or deer. It uses a laser gyroscope, robotic brain and locomotive sensors to "walk" over rocks, on ice and snow, and up steep pitches. You can't even kick it over. Watch this video and take inventory of your emotions. For me they ranged from unease to fascination to even sympathy as I rooted for it to find sure footing on the ice almost as if it were a live animal. But mount a machine gun on this sucker and it would be straight out of your worst nightmare.

Within 15 years, robots will play a significant role in our lives. They will assist the handicapped, conduct dangerous work (like today's bomb unit bots), assemble products in 100% automated factories, perform low-invasive surgery, help grow our crops and perform routine household tasks.

And as that famous Simpsons clip says: I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.