Maker of fearsome animal robots is edging into the light

It's never been clear whether robotics company Boston Dynamics is making killing machines, household helpers, or something else entirely. For nine years, the secretive firm – which got its start with US military funding – has unnerved people around the world with YouTube videos of experimental robots resembling animal predators. In another, a small wheeled rover nicknamed SandFlea abruptly flings itself onto rooftops – and back down again. Now, in a rare interview, Boston Dynamics CEO Marc Raibert has shed new light on his work, claiming the machines could be used as servants rather than weapons. Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert (pictured with his creation SpotMini) doesn't rule out future military applications for his terrifying machines.