What do you think of Boston Dynamics Big Dog running on gasoline?

Question

If this robot is meant to carry provisions for soldiers, first, it's awfully small (dog size) and secondly, if the soldier is out on a mission in the middle of whoop whoop, where would he find gasoline to fuel it? Wouldn't it be better to have it run on solar power?

Answer 1

Solar power is terribly unreliable. Gas is a sure-fire energy source and is generally available wherever humans habitate.

I'm sure the builders of this device debated the energy source long enough to figure out which would be most reliable.  I would not try to second-guess their decisions without having been in those meetings.

Answer 2

They can strap a gun to it... they can do anything with it! great for moving around urban environments. You can't tell a pack mule what to do.. it can be unpredictable. Not to mention it needs to eat, sleep, etc... I see a ton of advantages for this robot over a pack mule.