A new robosoldier goes to war
"Christian Science Monitor"

USA > Military
from the July 31, 2002 edition

In Afghanistan, a new robosoldier goes to war
The 'war on terror' is a testing ground for new technology
By David Buchbinder
NARIZAH, AFGHANISTAN ? A squad of heavily armed American soldiers lines up single file outside a mud-walled compound in eastern Afghanistan, ready to burst inside.
Just around the corner, technicians boot up Fester, a tank-like robot the size of a suitcase. An order comes over the radio: The soldiers are to hold their positions, but the robot is authorized to enter the building.
[...]
The radio-controlled, reconnaissance robosoldier can climb stairs, turn somersaults and roll along at about 9 m.p.h. Shockproof and waterproof, he has survived a plunge from a second-story window. Most important, Fester won't die if he's shot while exploring a cave or poking through a suspicious building.
[...]
On Robotics via News Is Free