Video of the Day: Pup challenges robotic dog from Boston Dynamics

Everyone knows that a dog could be your best friend, but how about a robotic dog? Or will a robotic dog disobey its owner and plot to take over our species like the rest of them? According to a feisty terrier made of flesh and bone, these bots are not to be trusted.

Filmed by Tesla Motors member, Steve Jurvetson, this YouTube video features Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog, Spot, seemingly teasing Android co-founder, Andy Rubin’s dog, Cosmo. Though nothing dramatic happens in the video, it’s interesting to watch a biological dog react to Spot’s realistic canine-like movements. Long story short, the robot makes the dog feel a bit uneasy.

The 160-pound robo-dog is part of Boston Dynamics’ amazing array of robots. It has a head-mounted camera to help it overcome obstacles, and is surprisingly stable. It’s powered by an engine that drives a hydraulic actuation system, allowing it to run, walk, climb, and “frolick” over all kinds of terrain. It’s capable of walking over curbs, and even when kicked, Spot can remain upright. Its four legs, articulated like an animal’s, have compliant elements to absorb shock and recycle energy from one step to the next.

While Spot can be seen as a glorified remote controlled car, it sure has kept Cosmo on guard. Because robots are becoming more common in our lives, whether they take the form of pets or are used for AI assistance, it’s necessary to see how both people and animals interact with these rather intelligent machines.