Take cover, BigDog can throw bricks

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BigDog, the rough terrain robot designed and built by Boston Dynamics, is now capable of handling and throwing heavy objects.

In this clip, BigDog is manipulating 35lb cinderblocks and managed a best throw of just over 17ft.

According to Boston Dynamics, the goal of this exercise is to use the strength of the legs and torso to help power motions of the arm.

They say this sort of dynamic, whole-body approach to manipulation is used routinely by human athletes and will enhance the performance of advanced robots.

Boston Dynamics is developing the control and actuation techniques needed for dynamic manipulation.