DARPA has uploaded a new video of its Pet-Proto (a predecessor to its Atlas robot) confronting obstacles, which it says are “similar to those robots might face in the DARPA Robotics Challenge. Take a look:

“To maneuver over and around the obstacles, the robot exercises capabilities including autonomous decision-making, dismounted mobility and dexterity,” DARPA says in the YouTube description for the clip.

The challenge kicked off on Wednesday, and is scheduled to run for about 27 months. Events are planned for June 2013, December 2013 and December 2014.