It was a good run while it lasted, humanity, but the end is nigh. Science fiction writers have long predicted we would create something that would destroy us, and this robot prototype looks to be the first step in that direction.
The machine is called MorphHex MKII, developed by Zenta Robotic Creations (seemingly the work of one individual). It has the ability to walk in any direction on several 'legs' due to its spherical design, and can roll itself into a ball as well.
The servos on the robot emits a high-pitched beep throughout the video, which is filmed in an empty lot of some sort. It seems strange and somewhat alien to watch MorphHex walk around and curl itself up, made creepier by the setting--solitary and quiet but for the all-consuming beep.
You also may think MorphHex is incapable of powering itself in ball form after it just rolls down a hill in the footage, but you would be mistaken. The video goes on to show that the robot can use its legs to provide small amounts of force that keep it rolling across open ground, which creates an unsettling, consistent clack-clack sound on the concrete.
All of these factors add up to an eerie-feeling video, which sounds odd for what is ostensibly a tech demo where a creator is showing off his or her work. What is it about a small, obviously harmless robot that instills these thoughts in our heads? In this case, the sounds and setting help play a role, but I suppose it's just our imaginations getting the best of us (or at least me).
Sci-fi books, TV shows, and movies have long pictured such inventions as machines of war, such as the Droideka from Star Wars, of which MorphHex immediately reminded me. Other comparisons were made to the turrets from Portal, and I'm sure there are plenty of other references that would fit.
It's a simple creation, and very cool in terms of robotics, but it's not out of the question to think about a similar machine being outfitted with weaponry or detection technology by the military in the not-too-distant future. For now, though, you can just (try to) enjoy a neat video of an interesting machine.
