I know two different Baby Boomers who insist on pronouncing the word "robot" as "robut." Is this some cultural thing that I missed, like some old science-fiction series where the characters talked about robuts? It really annoys me, as it makes me picture a generic metal robot with human buttocks grafted on.
I'm not afraid of AI technology because it's in its infancy, but, in these examples we're also seeing real advances in mechanical mobility--that's their goal: increased mobility. They want to replace or supplement human-boots-on-the-ground with these new mobile mechs. It seems like these Boston Dynamics robots will likely be used on the battlefield as remote, human, controlled, armored, and deadly battle-mechs.
This is frightening because it reminds me of the new military technology that soldiers faced on the American Civil War battlefield whereby dated Napoleonic tactics were still used without realizing that battlefield tactics should have changed with the introduction of new Minié ball muzzleloading rifles and newer and more deadly and accurate artillery. It also reminds me of the new military technology that soldiers also faced in WWI which resulted massive casualties due to the introduction of machine guns, tanks, deadlier artillery, and chemical warfare. We're approaching another technological leap in warfare.
Moreover, it's also frightening because these armored mechs are making their way into law enforcement too--remember, how a robot was used to kill the cop killer in Dallas, TX. Once remote controlled mechs become widespread, I think it makes it easier for humans to kill other humans since they don't have to do it up-close-and-personal. What if they set loose a herd of these Mech Mules carrying LRAD sonic weapons to disperse political protests? The human element of mercy and discretion will be missing.