At first glance, the HMR looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie. Picture a spherical cage that can move on its own omnidirectional path, effortlessly rolling across the ground.

It's one heck of a thing to see in motion. The HMR's lightweight exoskeleton is capable of deforming to a degree, making it a neat little shock absorber for landing, as well as helping to keep the key ...