DARPA has a couple of new LS3 (Legged Squad Support System) robots to show off in a new video. The design clearly looks like it was somewhat bovine-inspired, although the part where the “head” would be almost looks like it was partially decapitated. The main purpose of the LS3 is to serve as a pack mule, “carrying heavy gear for troops over rugged, varying terrain.” Wheels and treads simply can’t transverse this kind of terrain the same way that legs can.

What’s cool is that the military personnel won’t need to control the LS3 bot at all, because it can work mostly autonomously; it can be programmed to “follow the leader,” so to speak, as well as respond to verbal and visual commands as needed. The new version has reduced noise (about one-tenth as loud as the original) and a top speed of about 7mph (11.3km/h) over flat surfaces. Even if it falls over, the LS3 can get itself back on its feet.

Dubbed “Big Dog” by builder Boston Dynamics, the DARPA LS3 prototype bots can be viewed in the video below. I can see how this would be great for remote camping trips too, though most people probably don’t have a DARPA-esque budget.

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As you will see in the video below, the DARPA Cheetah robot comes with four pointy legs, which by the way appear to be sharp and could be used to stab you to death, and it can do 18 miles an hour. That’s 5 miles faster than the fastest legged robot.

In case you are thinking about a comparison, Olympic champion Usain Bolt can sprint at around 23MPH. That means two things: It’s difficult to beat Mr. Bolt even if we are on cycles, and the DARPA Cheetah is capable of chasing you down.

According to DARPA, “The robot’s movements are designed to mimic those of fast-running animals in nature. The robot increases its stride and running speed by flexing and un-flexing its back on each step, much as an actual cheetah does”.

So, it runs like an actual cheetah. What will happen if they decide to program it to hunt like one? That will be one frightening killing machine. DARPA hasn’t announced what they are planning to do with the new product. For now, it is just meant to freak everyone out. And if they add a head to it, the robot won’t appear to be running backwards.

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