This post has a point. My gut reaction to the Boston Dynamics video at t=35s? Disguist. "Why would you treat a creature with such disrespect and hate?". Of course I know that was to demonstrate how dynamic stabilization of the robot works, but it really felt like he was kicking a dog.
Bah! I feel the extreme total opposite. When he kicks the robot, I'm deeply disturbed by the fact that the robot is undaunted.
I've always chalked it up to an uncanny valley reaction. The buzzing noise of the on-board 2-cycle engine (power generator?), combined with the freakish, threatening movements raises my hackles every time.
Every time I see robots like Big Dog, I feel a visceral instinct brewing within me, prompting me to find ways to annihilate them with rocket propelled grenades.
