Boston Dynamics has been in the sensor based robotics business since its founding in 1992. They have worked on a number of projects for the DoD, among its development efforts is the Petman robot currently in use testing Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protective clothing.

Petman circa 2009

Army Technology.com reported that the company has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to develop a new robot, the Cheetah, capable of outrunning the fastest man on Earth, and a Terminator-type android, Atlas robot, that will work alongside troops…”

According to Army Technology.com, “the four-legged Cheetah will have a flexible spine, articulated head, and will be able to sprint, take sharp corners, zigzag and reach speeds of 20mph-30mph.

“The Atlas robot will have a body, two arms, two legs and no head and will be able to walk over rough terrain, fit through tight gaps and crawl on its hands and knees if needed.”