Originally funded by DARPA, and developed by Boston Dynamics for  US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force, the Sand Flea is one helluva robot. This 11-lb remote control car is fast and agile and thanks to its big chunky tires can negotiate every kind of terrain. It also has one big party piece. The Sand Flea can jump  jump 30 feet (9.1 meters) in the air, which means it can get to roof of a tall building in a matter of seconds.

Details of the mechanism that allows the car to launch itself like that, and details of the onboard stabilization system that keeps it oriented during flight to improve the view from the video uplink and to control landings, are probably highly classified. The Sand Flea will become handy in reconnaissance missions.

We hope they also make and sell toy versions of this thing. Seems like a lot of fun!