Boston firm develops Terminator-like robot to test Army clothing

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How technologically advanced is the Pentagon? Well, try this one on for size: they have a Terminator-like robot made exclusively for testing clothes. And it can even sweat.

Yes, a robot that can sweat.

Below is a video of the PETMAN, I.E. the “Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin,” a robot developed by the makers of the “BigDog,” a large, walking pack-mule of sorts meant to accompany soldiers on the battlefield.

Unlike BigDog, PETMAN is not intended for combat. Instead, the robot is meant to test out protective clothing that soldiers might wear, such as hazmat suits or body armor. It has a full range of movement similar to a human being, which should be helpful in determining the stress factors those materials will encounter when in use.

PETMAN could also be used to help develop next-generation prosthesis, Wired magazine added — once it gets a head of its own, that is.