DARPA: The Department of Mad Scientists - RN Future Tense - 2 December 2010

DARPA: The Department of Mad Scientists - RN Future Tense - 2 December 2010: "Antony Funnell: No, don't adjust your set, as they say, that isn't electronic interference, it's the sound of a rather large robotic dog with legs like a Huntsman spider.

Now after the show, you have to go to our website and check out the video - it's both fascinating and freaky.

The robot, named BigDog, is funded by DARPA, the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency. They're not very well known, but over the years they've funded some incredible research - from android canines to artificial arms to giant airships

DARPA originally grew out of the Cold War space race, and it isn't only eccentric, it's also secretive

But a little while ago, technology and science journalist, Michael Belfiore managed to convince the Agency's then Director, a man named Tony Tether, to let him in the door for a quick look.

What he learnt is now the basis of a book entitled The Department of Mad Scientists: How DARPA is remaking our world from the internet to artificial limbs."