PETMAN: Slightly freaky walking robot prototype

I love the advancement of robotics to produce machines that approach humanlike movement. The PETMAN is a cool creation, but ever so slightly freaky.

I hurt one of my legs last week and I swear I was walking a bit like this robot when it reaches 3.2mph (granted, I couldn’t walk that fast).

PETMAN’s main purpose is to test chemical protection clothing used by the US Army. It has a range of versatile movements, being able to balance itself when pushed, walking, crawling and “doing a variety of suit-stressing calisthenics”.

It will take two-and-a-half years of design, build and installation before PETMAN is delivered in 2011.

PETMAN (Via)