Boston Dynamics, best known for the quadruped robots BigDog and Little Dog, have now developed a dynamically balancing bipedal robot that uses a toe-to-heel walking method very similar to a human. The robot, called PETMAN, can be seen in the YouTube video above going through tests on a treadmill. The eventual goal is an anthropomorphic robot that will be used in testing chemical protection clothing for the US Army. In addition to walking, the robot will be able to crawl like a human as well simulate human physiology including body temperature, humidity, and sweating to test the protective clothing under life-like conditions. Props to Robodave for the tip.


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