Introducing SpotMini: Boston Dynamics' Latest Creation

[Old Crow]

Each version of these robots becomes more fluid and natural in its movements. I found this video astounding. I think you'll see what I mean.

[PoliticAverse]

1. Sure it looks like it'd make a great pet, but can it use a litter box? n/t

[passiveporcupine]

4. Hopefully, if it needs one

it cleans it afterwards.

Wonder what was going on at the end. The spot didn't want to give up the can, or was it playing?

[Old Crow]

5. LOL! Good question.

The videographers seem to hint at that question when they show SpotMini sauntering in front of a fire hydrant at 2:03.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. It probably poops unnecessary hardware.

Screws, bolts, washers, that sort of thing.

[tblue37]

2. It's alive!!! Actually, though, this is incredibly cool. The robot seems so real I felt sad when

slipped and fell down.

[Old Crow]

6. I did too!

It's getting harder and harder not to feel for these machines when, increasingly, they move and act like cats, dogs, or mules.

[PoliticAverse]

8. It got up so slowly it caused me to think maybe it was hurt. n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. I really, really want one of those.

[Old Crow]

7. IKR? Even if it could just do the dishes, I'd be happy. :) (N/T)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. I would want mine to scoop the litter boxes.

It would probably scare the bejeebers out of the cats, though.

[Old Crow]

10. Long, sustained LOL. You, Ocelot, are brilliant! LOL (N/T)

[Journeyman]

12. Definitely see these one day used as a "service animal" for those with disabilities . . .

It could be made infinitely stronger and more stable than a dog, and far more useful than a monkey for fetching items and performing basic tasks. Coupled with the robotics I saw the other day, where the "receptionist" could remember previous conversations and respond to numerous requests, there's definitely a future for such technology.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. A dog might not have slipped on the banana peels, though.

[tclambert]

18. My dog used to fall down on tile floors all the time.

The weird thing is, the cat never did.

[Old Crow]

14. I'm sure there are all sorts of applications ahead--and not very far ahead either.

• Beneficent ones, like what you've described.
• Prosaic ones, that will help with housekeeping.
• And more troubling ones, that will be armed.

[jtuck004]

15. I think my dog and I would find one or two of those quite useful. n/t

[0rganism]

16. swearing robot is still my favorite

spirit of Bender ftw

[Old Crow]

17. OMG, that was hysterical!

I'd never seen that before. I'm sure the Boston Dynamics engineers just about peed in their pants when they saw that.

[Journeyman]

19. That was great . . .

thanks.