Just stumbled across the Ballbot (developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers led by Professor Ralph Hollis): a battery-operated omnidirectional robot that moves by balancing dynamically on a single urethane-coated metal sphere:

Significant insights will be gained from this research toward producing agile motive platforms which in the future could be combined with the research community's ongoing work in perception, navigation, and cognition, to yield truly capable intelligent mobile robots for use in physical contact with people. Such robots could provide many useful services, especially for the elderly or physically challenged, in their everyday work and home environments. Many other uses such as entry into hostile environments, rescue in buildings, and surveillance to safeguard people or property can be envisioned.

Why do I blog this? I have to admit that I like non anthropomorphic bots (even though I am crazy of the big dog).