Take a look at the walking style of the Little Dog robot in the following video, and tell me that robotic gaits haven't crossed the line into the uncanny valley.
(Little Dog robot video)
Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori remarked in 1970 that, as robots resemble human beings more closely, they will be seen in a positive light. However, at a certain point of similarity, people become repulsed rather than attracted. This uncanny valley seems to be true for animal gaits as well.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 5/24/2010)
RoboShiko! Sumo Exercises Still Good For Robots
'... the expressionless face before me was therefore that of the golem-wrestler, Rolem, a creature that could be set for five times the strength of a human being.' - Roger Zelazny, 1966.
Giant Robotic Hands At Gundam Next Future Science
'Waldo put his arms into the primary pair before him; all three pairs, including the secondary pair mounted before the machine, came to life.' - Robert Heinlein, 1942.
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RoboShiko! Sumo Exercises Still Good For Robots
'... the expressionless face before me was therefore that of the golem-wrestler, Rolem, a creature that could be set for five times the strength of a human being.'