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Watch Boston Dynamics' 'Spot' Robot Dog Meet A Real Dog For The First Time

Watching Google's Robot Dog Play With A Real Dog Is Like Staring Into The Future
Thomas Tamblyn
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When we envisioned the start of the robot apocalypse, we'll be honest this wasn't exactly what jumped into our heads.

This is a glorious video of Boston Dynamics' robot dog Spot takes a bit of time out from preparing for world domination by playing with Cosmo, a confused and excited terrier reportedly belonging to Android co-founder and Playground Global boss Andy Rubin.

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Despite being utterly surreal to watch, it's clear that Cosmo is in control here forcing Spot to keep a close eye on his organic cousin while the terrier gives the robot a thorough vetting.

Spot had been originally designed for the military however the army quickly realised that while great at looking cute, Spot wasn't the future of army transport.

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It's believed that this version is the last one not in military hands so it's nice to see that Spot is being given a happy retirement of playtime in the Boston Dynamics car park.

Spot hasn't been a total disaster though, the robot's balancing skills became an important testbed for the future of Boston Dynamics' walking robots and has played a crucial part in the creation of the new ATLAS 2 robot.

Robots In 2016: These Are The Robots And Drones That Will Change Our Lives

Robots In 2016: These Are The Robots And Drones That Will Change Our Lives
Robots that can deliver other robots:(01 of07)
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Amazon Prime Air is a drone delivery service which the company is currently testing. The company aims to deliver products within just 30 minutes of the customer pressing the 'order' button. (AP Photo/Amazon) (credit:Amazon/AP)
Robots that could soon be saving lives:(02 of07)
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The robot 'CHIMP' developed by Team Tartan Rescue from the US prepares to complete a task during the finals of the DARPA Robotics Challenge. It is hoped that these robots will eventually replace emergency services workers during events like the Fukushima nuclear disaster. (MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:MARK RALSTON via Getty Images)
Robots that can carry your stuff:(03 of07)
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A robotic cheetah runs during a demonstration at the finals of the DARPA Robotics Challenge. DARPA's four-legged robots have been designed to carry supplies and ammunition for the US Army. Capable of travelling over tough terrain the hope is that these will eventually replace the need for trucks or small vehicles. (MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:MARK RALSTON via Getty Images)
Robots that can kill:(04 of07)
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A sentry robot freezes a hypothetical intruder by pointing its machine gun during its test in Cheonan. South Korea unveiled a high-tech, machine gun-toting sentry robot that could support its troops in detecting and killing intruders along the heavily fortified border with North Korea. The weapons-grade robot can detect, raise the alarm and provide suppressive fire. (KIM DONG-JOO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
Robots that can race each other:(05 of07)
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Japan's motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor introduces the prototype model of a motorcycle riding robot 'Motobot' during a press preview at the Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo on 28, 2015.(YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:YOSHIKAZU TSUNO via Getty Images)
Robots that are toys:(06 of07)
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The Sphero BB-8 remote controlled droid is on display at CES Unveiled, a media preview event for CES International, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in Las Vegas. The robot is controlled by an app for a mobile device. (AP Photo/John Locher) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Robots that will do your weekly shop:(07 of07)
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A new delivery drone company plans to revolutionise the way we do our shopping by replacing your weekly trip to Sainsbury's with a tiny delivery robot which will bring your fruit and veg straight to your door.(Starship Technologies)
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