Walking Robot

I was very impressed by this walking robot (that link is to a video on YouTube). Watching it gave me a very strong feeling of “the future is now.” No doubt there are many hurdles to overcome, but it sure seems like we could all have a walking robot pack horse in ten years (well, those of us with enough money).

Since this is being funded by the defense department, it seems even more likely that these will be sent into combat. It’s impossible to argue against protecting a soldier. But it’s also hard for me to be comfortable with something that makes warfare easier. Even if we believe that our government is completely trustworthy, which we don’t, other governments will be able to buy these too. Put some armor on this thing and add a couple of guns and its even better than a tank: it can go lots more places, and it doesn’t require a driver. Scary stuff.

Of course, that’s probably how the ancient Egyptians felt when they first saw mounted soldiers coming at them. Military technology marches ever on.