Viral Video Of The Week: Big Dog BetaViral Video Of The Week: Big Dog Beta

Surely by now you've seen the video of the "Big Dog" -- the amazing quadruped robot designed to serve as a "pack mule" for soldiers in terrains where military vehicles are unable to manage or maneuver. I'll wager, however, you've never seen the original "Beta model" in action?Many who have seen the Big Dog in action have commented on how lifelike its motions are. The legs move with an almost deer-like quality. Those that watched the video saw the robot compose itself on ice-covered ground and regain its footing after being pushed by one of the testers.

While the...ahem..."Beta" in the video below isn't quite as solid on its feet, it's clear that this incarnation has even more of an organic look and feel to it than its successor. Just take a look: