ARPA, the ancestor of today's DARPA, was interested in finding ways to use robots and artificial intelligence for military reconnaissance. One idea was that it might be possible to build some sort of a robotic scout for the Army.

The result was Shakey the robot. http://www.gizmag.com/shakey-robot-sri-fiftieth-anniversary/37668/

Pretty cool for 1966 to 1972 tech. The video is dated but still fascinating to watch.

Video