Google releases a clip of Spot, a small version of giant Big Dog robot

Back in 2013, when Google bought robotic firm Boston Dynamics, it also became the owner **Big Dog** , a four-legged giant robot that can climb muddy hills. Now, Google has built a smaller version of the giant Big Dog robot and also released a two-minute  clip.

The new video shows Spot, a 160-pound dog robot navigating an office on its own. It then heads outside to climb a steep hill and also a flight of stairs. Spot also makes its way over rough terrain that it is able to navigate with the help of its head-mounted sensor. In the video, one will also see Spot along with the Big Dog. It clearly shows that Spot is an improved and swifter version of the Big Dog. In the video, Spot is also shown going for jog. It is an electric-powered, hydraulically actuated robot. The video also shows some employees kick the dog, which forces it to change the direction. While Google may be trying to show the capabilities of the robot, these parts of the video seem really disturbing. “It’s at this point that you should get really freaked out, because this robot struggling to stay upright looks very much like a living thing trying to do the same,” points out Mashable. At the end of the video, one will notice some text that reads, “no robots were hurt while making this video.” The company also own Cheetah, a robot which can outrun the fastest human. Besides, Google has been taking some active steps in robotics. It is speculated that Google is planning to build robots that would automate manufacturing and distribution center jobs currently handled by humans. Other possibilities include housekeeping robots or automated caretakers for the elderly. Some of the other robotics companies acquired by Google have been dabbling in humanoids and other technology that could be used for loading and unloading delivery trucks. One such company bought by Google, Bot & Dolly, makes a robotic camera system deployed in the making of a recent science-fiction film, Gravity. **Other robotics companies** bought by Google two years ago include Schaft, Industrial Perception, Meka, Redwood Robotics, Autofuss and Holomni.