BigDog, by Boston Dynamics, handles heavy objects. Their goal is to develop techniques for using the strength of the legs and torso to help power motions of the arm. This sort of dynamic approach is routinely used by human athletes and is now improving the performance of robots. The research is performed by Boston Dynamics with funding from the Army Research Laboratory through the RCTA.
I find it a little terrifying to watch a machine pick up a breeze block and throw it a distance with ease; but there could also be many great applications for this skill set. The fact that the US Army are part funding it though suggests that it may be used in a non-civilian role.
