Watch: Is this beginning of robot uprising?

Footage of an engineer pushing and torturing a humanoid robot for science has caught the attention of the internet, with many questioning whether this might just be the beginning of a robot uprising.

In the video, released by Google-owned Boston Dynamics, 'Atlas' a 5"9 (1.75m) robot, can be seen picking up a box when an engineer knocks it out of its grip, pushing the robot back with an hockey stick.

The robot stumbles, regains its balance and again goes to pick up the box. It later proceeds to leave the building.

Many Twitter users have a 'rise of the machines' take on the images, speculating this could mark the start of a future battle between man and machine.

'Atlas' -- which weighs 81kg, the equivalent of an adult male -- has LIDAR and stereo sensors in its head to avoid obstacles, assess terrain and help with the navigation and manipulation of objects.

Boston Dynamics' latest robot is a development from its previous model, designed to operate outdoors, inside buildings and even in snow.

The Independent reported that the robot could potentially make its way in to military applications, eventually replacing human soldiers.

On the Boston Dynamics robot:
"I felt bad for it when it was getting pushed around."
"I felt it was going to remember..."

— Sam Altman (@sama) February 24, 2016

yall gotta stop tormenting those boston dynamics robots. one day they'll have the ability to fight back

— ros (@SAKIR0SE) February 24, 2016

Has anyone else watched the Boston Dynamics biped footage and feared “if he trolls that robot once more, it’s going to turn on him…”

— Matt Stibbs (@MattStibbs) February 24, 2016