Robotics and engineering firm Boston Dynamics has released new footage of its SpotMini robot, and has done nothing to quell fears of an impending robo-apocalypse.
The footage shows 10 of the robots starting from a rest position, before slowly marching forward, towing a truck across a carpark.
On its video in YouTube, Boston Dynamics said there was about a one-degree incline uphill, with the truck left in neutral gear.
"These Spot robots are coming off the production line now and will be available for a range of applications soon," the company said.
On its website, the company describes its SpotMini (a smaller version of its dog-like Spot creation) as a "small four-legged robot that comfortably fits in an office or home".
The company said SpotMini weighed 30kg, was all electric and depending on what it was doing, could go 90 minutes on a single charge.
Whether that activity includes hauling 18-wheelers up a hill remains up for debate, but Boston Dynamics has already showcased some of Spot's other talents.
Spot can use the extendable claw attached to its back to intelligently grip and manipulate door handles. In an effort to ingratiate itself among its human underlings, another video showed Spot twerking to a cover of Uptown Funk.
Its Atlas robot was equally impressive, an agile humanoid creation that was more than adept at parkour.
More worryingly for those with nightmares of robots sneaking up on you in the dark of night, Boston Dynamics said its newest creation was a quiet customer.
"SpotMini is the quietest robot we have built."
