Good boy: Saskatchewan Polytech showcases state-of-the-art robot dog [Video]

Dogs have been around for thousands of years. But heading into the future, the furry canine might not have much fur at all as its robot counterpart continues to evolve.

A recently purchased state-of-the-art robotic dog is changing education at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE).

The dog, known as Strider, can roll over, fetch (with the help of a robotic arm) and navigate hazardous terrain. Strider can also perform tasks such as inspections, surveillance, mapping and security.

DICE will use the dog for applied research and fee-for-service projects, providing “valuable support to Saskatchewan’s agriculture, energy, mining and other industries,” according to the institution.

“(Strider is) providing both tools for our students to learn and for our industry partners in research,” DICE director Terry Peckham said.

“It’s giving them access to tools they may not be able to afford to prototype out ideas to see if this is …