Boston Dynamics Spot gets an extensive update that improves the operation and reliability of the dog robot.
For the past few months, Boston Dynamics has been carrying spot surveillance cameras for construction companies or helping the police to open doors. So far, Boston Dynamics has lent around 100 units to partners. The manufacturer made it clear from the start that he Spot as a mobility platform which is constantly being further developed, and is now implementing this project with Spot 2.0.
The biggest innovation is a extensive upgrade for autonomous navigation: Until now, Spot could be sent in one direction for a set distance at a given speed. The robot then navigated this short distance to the destination using its sensor data.
With the improved “Autonomy” software, Spot should be able to navigate through entire buildings independently. The first setup of the 3D map, in which Spot is oriented, is still done manually.
Once it has been created, the Navigator can send Spot to any point on the map. The navigator can also create decision trees for Spot so that the robot takes its sensor perceptions into account when navigating according to predefined patterns.
Spot 2.0 slips less and climbs stairs better
Spot’s first version was having problems on construction sites with one or the other slip on slippery surfaces and stairs. The following development video from 2010 illustrates the problem. With Spot 2.0, Boston Dynamics wants to have minimized such slip-ups.
Spots stairwell has also been optimized: The robot now identifies stairs as such. This enables Spot to place a staircase model on a staircase and thus better predict where to place his steel paws.
Even stairs with grating or with open steps should no longer be a problem. Previously, Spot only differentiated between flat terrain and elevations.
Spot gets his arm soon
For some time now, Boston has been presenting Dynamics Spot with a regular mechanical arm on the back, which significantly expands the functionality of the robot. For example, Spot can use his arm to open doors or present objects to a person. Boston Dynamics calls the arm “manipulator”.
Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert expects “unusual applications” for Spots mechanical arm. It should be available later this year. Image: Boston Dynamics
–
So far, however, companies have not been able to buy or borrow the arm. That should change in the course of the year, Raibert expects “unusual applications”. The arm would be supported by an AI control from the cloud “so that it understands what it is supposed to do”.
Even applications in the entertainment sector are conceivable. Boston Dynamics has partnered with entertainment company Cirque de Soleil in the past for a show.
The goal behind Spots 2.0 update is to To make the robot simpler and therefore usable for more peoplesays Marc Raibert, founder and head of Boston Dynamics. “We are focused on developing a robot that can reliably perform everyday tasks,” says Raibert.
In general he is “enthusiastic about the idea of offering the robot to everyone”. At the moment, however, his company is focused on finding out what is possible and what is not, and on reducing the costs of manufacturing.
Boston Dynamics currently only offers Spot to selected partners and companies. The selling price is not known. A leasing request is possible via the official website.
Quellen: Boston Dynamics, IEEE Spectrum
Read more about Spot:
steady2
Boston Dynamics introduces “Spot 2.0” dog robot was last modified: May 7th, 2020 by
–
