The futuristic folks at the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan have taken us one step closer to an Anime world. Seriously, this eight-wheeled, eight-legged, fully functioning vehicle prototype looks like something straight out of "Ghost in the Shell." It seems like it'll walk and/or drive over just about anything, and the designers are hoping to put it to practical use in rescue operations within the next five years. I think they'll have to invent an enlarger ray first though, as this prototype seems to be about the size of a dog.

Still, it does a heck of a lot more tricks than my dog will ever do. Check out the awesome robot impressiveness after the break. Then be prepared to have nightmares about these things stomping down your street in the next decade, complete with embedded artificial intelligence, the voice of a 12 year-old-girl, and a nice smiley face painted on the front.

Post by Matt Safford