Greyhounds can get up to 45 miles per hour. They're light, they're incredibly fast and I think with appropriately shaped buoyant paw fins, perhaps that flip out when they hit a body of water they could continue running on the surface for some distance.

Why? Dunno, be kind of cool. Maybe have contests to see which dogs could make it the furthest into a lake or maybe across a pool. Once they figured out what was going on I think the dogs would be totally into it.
-- doctorremulac3, Dec 30 2022

I mean, with nothing they'd get out quiet a few yards. (skip to 1:10) https://www.youtube...watch?v=sf9prgDBeAU
Be an interesting design challenge. [doctorremulac3, Dec 30 2022]

SnoeShuus for Schnauzers https://www.youtube...watch?v=BiWBC0ISRrg
not from Boston [Sgt Teacup, Dec 31 2022]

evolution of Boston Dynamics' dog walking https://www.youtube...watch?v=D_Vc_yDvU24
I'd like to see it try [doc]'s floaty fins... Field Trip! [Sgt Teacup, Dec 31 2022]

Have you seen a dog "walk" with snow boots on? Hilariously exactly like the Boston Dynamics e-dog. Speed this up 100x using fast dogs wearing water-wing shoes, record and post on the UToob, rake in those hundredths of dollars!
-- Sgt Teacup, Dec 31 2022


That's one of the coolest yet for some reason, unsettling videos I've ever seen.

Gonna take some getting used to seeing these thing walk around. I know they're no more sentient than a refrigerator, butI think we read various social messages from styles of walking. The strut, the saunter etc. none of which are applicable here.

In other words I have to remind myself these aren't out to kill us.

Yet.
-- doctorremulac3, Dec 31 2022


So I'm picturing very lightweight flaps that close moving forward and open when the dog pushes back against water. Obviously there's gonna be a learning curve for the dog who's wired to "Get these damned things off my paws!".

Not sure about the benefit / harm ratio of having actually buoyant booties. Obviously adding a lot of mass to the dogs feet, so I think it's about jetting across the water rather than floating.

Again, interesting design connundrum.
-- doctorremulac3, Dec 31 2022


Given that water is quite 'sticky' (to other things), the shoes will need a water-repellent or non-stick surface. Which will also reduce the friction required for movement, although pushing in/against the water itself will work. So it will definitely be funny to see, but in which manner is to be determined...
-- neutrinos_shadow, Jan 01 2023


Hmm.

Know who might want to do something with this? I'll give you a hint: they don't have to worry about the 4 legged runner trying to kick the flippers off.

Might actually have some utility as well.

Hey Boston Dynamics, I've got an idea that might allow your robodogs to run across water.
-- doctorremulac3, Jan 01 2023



random, halfbakery