2023-06-08 02:34:00
Boston Dynamics has revamped its robotic dog spot in several ways. The new version of the four-legged robot can now open doors independently by using the door handle and holding automatically closing doors with its leg. In addition, Spot can read analogue measuring devices with the upgrade and gets an emergency switch with which it can be switched off manually.
Previously, Spot was physically able to use doorknobs, but still required human control to do so. Now the robot dog can independently push the doorknob, push open an automatically closing door and walk through before it closes again. This is especially useful in industrial settings and warehouses, as Spot can now get to places that were previously unreachable for him when traveling alone.
For this purpose, Boston Dynamics will equip the Spot robot, which has been available since 2020 for US$ 74,500, with an articulated arm accessory that it can use for its “Autowalk Missions” to open doors. However, this is still a beta feature and may not work everywhere.
Die current upgrades for Spot are primarily intended to improve inspection and surveillance in industry. This includes reading analog measuring devices, such as pressure displays. So far, the robot has only identified them, photographed them and sent them to humans for interpretation. With a software update, Spot can now read the ads and relay the appropriate data without the need for a human operator to check them.
More sensors and a new warning system
In addition, the robot dog’s abilities to monitor temperatures using thermal imaging cameras are said to have been improved. Acoustic sensors are also available as an upgrade, for example to detect invisible air or gas leaks in systems that work under high pressure. While Spot cannot solve such problems himself, it can detect and point them out during its inspection rounds – possibly early on.
Although the robot can do a lot on its own, it still works alongside humans to some extent. To this end, Boston Dynamics has introduced a new audio and visual warning system to make it clear to employees what they are doing. Spot’s indicators flash yellow when people in the vicinity should act cautiously, for example when Spot is climbing stairs.
Spot emergency stop and creep mode
Now there is also an emergency switch on top of the robot, which can be used to quickly shut down Spot. Until now, this was only possible via remote control. In emergency situations, the robot immediately sits down safely on the ground. In addition, Spot’s behavior on smooth surfaces has been improved. Should it recognize this, it will move more slowly for more stability, and in extreme cases it can also crawl.
According to Boston Dynamics, more than 1000 robot dogs are already in use in over 35 countries, including Germany, where Spot has been available since September 2020. The robot dog examines the Hamburg Köhlbrandbrücke for damage and the NRW police also use Spot, for example in early 2022 during a major fire in Essen.
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