The creation of robotics pioneer Marc Raibert skirts obstacles it “sees,” climbs rock-strewn slopes and can jump a three-foot ditch while carrying double a soldier’s load—all without human aid. Big Dog is funded by DARPA, the Pentagon agency that explores “the far side” (as it puts it), bringing way-out ideas to reality. Its record includes the Internet and stealth aircraft, so when DARPA’s John Main says “biodynotics”—robots inspired by nature—are “potentially revolutionary,” he’s worth listening to.
