While watching the video demonstrating Boston Dynamics’ anthropomorphic robot “Petman,” I almost expected it to spring from its display area and head off to fight Will Smith. Yes, ladies and gentleman, we’ve entered the age of robotics as foretold by Asimov. Boston Dynamics isn’t creating robots to works as our butlers and mechanics—yet—however. Although its predecessor, known as BigDog, was built to help on the battlefield, Petman was created to test protective clothing in the lab.

Petman gets outfitted with the newest hazardous materials suits and flak jackets. It can then realistically move as a soldier would in the field—including walking, crouching and jumping. The robot even produces realistic sweat and heat and is equipped with temperature and chemical sensors to monitor conditions that would make a human sick or unconscious.

Why use a robot? Well obviously it can test protective clothing’s exposure to chemical warfare agents—such as nerve gas—without risking a human’s health in new, unproven gear. That’s why the Defense Department’s Chemical and Biological Defense program funded Petman. So don’t expect to see the android walking down the street any time soon. That’s not to say you won’t see other Boston Dynamics’ creations such as the Atlas robot… its video should be out later this year. With all its innovations in robotics, let’s hope the company is familiar with the Three Laws…

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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