Giant robot dog with superhuman strength

A mechanical dog used by army researchers can now hurl massive concrete blocks. Courtesy: Youtube/Boston Dynamics

Robot 'Big Dog' can now hurl concrete blocks through the air. Source: Supplied

THIS is one robot you don't want to go rogue.

Big Dog, built by Boston Dynamic, was built to tramp around on uneven terrain, and was funded by the US military to work as a mule with troops.

But Big Dog has been improved, with an extra arm that can hurl concrete blocks through the air.

Boston Dynamic says the robot uses the strength of the legs and torso to give the arms more power, which is the same dynamic approach seen in human athletes.

NBC reported last year that one day Big Dog could one day be able to follow spoken commands, like a dog.

Watch the video above to see Big Dog catapult a 16kg cinderblock about 7m.

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Giant koalas to prowl the Gold Coast

A COLONY of 21 giant koalas is about to be let loose on the streets of the Gold Coast.

The sculptures, each as high as a man's shoulder, were created by local artist John Cox, the winner of an Academy Award for his work on the film Babe, at his Creature Workshop in Molendinar.

Artists from around Australia have decorated the koalas in various styles.

The Animals with Attitude sculpture trail will be launched at Broadbeach by Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley on Friday.

After this weekend the koala sculptures will be distributed throughout the Gold Coast along a trail that can be followed by downloading a map online.

The locations will include major shopping centres and council parks.

The koalas will be auctioned at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on May 4 to raise funds for its animal hospital, which receives no ongoing state or federal government funding.

The Animals With Attitude map can be downloaded at www.cwhf.org.au/events.

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