Dr Joanna Bryson on Spot Mini the robotic dog

It may conjure up apocalyptic visions more in keeping with a Black Mirror episode than a corporate press release. The American robotics company Boston Dynamics has announced it has created a robotic dog, with nimble limbs, an extendable neck and a jaw that can open doors.

It’s called SpotMini, and the firm says each one can climb stairs, handle objects and “comfortably fit into your home or office”. Dr Joanna Bryson, an expert on artificial intelligence at the University of Bath, discusses how much of a breakthrough this is.