Boston Dynamics robot dog will protect site from antiquities thieves

A robot dog called Spot has been deployed in Pompeii (Italy) to protect the archaeological site. The mission of the robot, developed by Boston Dynamics: monitor the ancient city day and night to fight against looting, reports the HuffPost.

For the moment, the device is only in the experimental phase. The team is currently inspecting the site to collect data that will help Spot carry out its mission. To fight effectively against antiquities looters, the robot is able to criss-cross the underground galleries of Pompeii, which are difficult to access and used by thieves.

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Teamed up with a drone

The four-legged robot can carry up to 14 kg on its back and withstands temperatures between -20 and 45°C. Spot is packed with sensors that make it particularly agile even on rough terrain. He can identify obstacles and avoid them on his own.

Before its new surveillance mission in Pompeii, the Boston Dynamics robot has already been tested in 2021 by the French army, recalls the HuffPost. On the archaeological site, he will be assisted by the Leica BLK2FLY drone, capable of scanning the ruins in 3D by forming point clouds.