Dynamically stable, quadruped robots are being deployed in
military support roles now.* These can accompany soldiers in terrain too
difficult for conventional vehicles. They use four legs for movement, allowing
them to move across surfaces that would defeat wheels or treads. They are
capable of running at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h), while carrying loads up to
340 lb (150 kg) and climbing slopes with 35 degree inclines. Locomotion,
navigation and balance are controlled by an onboard computer that receives
input from the robot's various sensors, which include a stereo vision system,
laser gyroscopes, joint position and ground contact monitors. These machines
greatly reduce the burden of equipment for soldiers.
Reference
2014 seems the most likely date, based on this article from 2006:
Robotic dog of war, CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/03/08/army.robot.dog/
"The more powerful, autonomous BigDog will be ready for battle within the next eight years."
Accessed 8th December 2009.
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