You might know the DARPA Legged Squad Support System (LS3) as the Boston Dynamics Big Dog. The concept was to make a robotic pack mule that can carry payload for infantry on foot without the limitations of wheeled vehicles. The system was already pretty impressive back in 2010:

DARPA just released this video of the testing of the latest iteration of the platform. The legs look more articulate and they seem to have added a routine for the LS3 to get back on its feet after it topples over. A “Follow The Leader” mode was also added making the system look like a puppy following you home with the wagging camera head.

The run speed has also been increased which is probably the result of the development on this Cheetah robot which is also a joint venture between DARPA and Boston Dynamics:

They really seem to have the leg system dialed in. I wonder when we’ll start to see this technology on recreational off-roaders. Maybe a combination of legs and wheels or we could just stick with really long legs:

Sources: Boston Dynamics and DARPA on YouTube