Boston Dynamics Newest Robot Dog Impresses

 Robotics  

Robot makers, Boston Dynamics have released video of their newest creation, a smaller, quieter version of Big Dog, named 'Spot.' The new robot is agile and with electric motors, can be used indoors and outdoors.

Boston Dynamics is the company that is now part of Google responsible for some of the most important robots today, including ATLAS, which is to be used in the DARPA Robotics Challenge. The company first became an Internet sensation with their robot Big Dog, which was a noisy, rugged pack-mule like beast that could recover from a slippery fall on ice, or a kick from a person.

Boston Dynamics' robot dogs, including Spot in front

Now, the company has unveiled Spot, another four-legged robot designed for indoor and outdoor operation.

Spot is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated, so it is much quieter than its older brother. In the video above, Spot sprints past Big Dog running uphill.

Spot and Big Dog

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The robot is also capable of handling stairs with ease, and jogging alongside a person.  In the video, a pair of Spot robots also walk up and down a hill in tandem.

Like his big brother, Spot can be kicked hard, without toppling over. Apparently this test is a big factor for Boston Dynamics' robotic design briefs.

The company hasn't supplied what the proposed use of the robot is yet, apart from entertaining video material, but the operation and abilities of Spot certainly are impressive.

The robot has a sensor head that helps it navigate and negotiate rough terrain, and weighs about 160 lbs, according to the company.

SOURCE  Boston Dynamics

By 33rd Square