Can I get one at home to "work" for me? I'm willing to pay $100 per week as "salary" until it is paid off. Considering the fact that it likely won't be useful and I'll end up spending all of my time just keeping it moving (like some of my relatives) the "salary" is the only reasonable option.
However, I'd love to be on the beta list (axiomcas@gmail.com). I've been working in robotics since I worked for Unimation back in 1976.
Height's a problem? I'd say that height would be ideal for carrying bags of groceries out to your parked car at the supermarket. As regards battery life, I'd wait until the battery powered by a tiny thermonuclear pellet was a standard option...
A bit out of my price range, but the dog looks good and for $1600 is quite affordable.