Spot: Boston Dynamics' latest robotic invention

Its creators say it could eventually help with search and rescue, mapping and accessing disaster zones


Web Desk February 11, 2015
Its creators say it could eventually help with search and rescue, mapping and accessing disaster zones. PHOTO: BOSTON DYNAMICS

A robotics company- Boston Dynamics- purchased by Google in 2013 is best known for BigDog, a quadrupedal robot designed through rough terrain. BigDog now has a baby brother named Spot, NBC reported. 

A smaller creation, Spot weighs only 160 lbs but has the same four hydraulic legs as its elder brother as well as the sensor head. The younger sibling also has the uncanny ability to stay upright whilst climbing slopes and maintains its balance on uneven ground. The new addition to Boston Dynamics' creations can also keep its balance when kicked.

Despite having a dog's name, Spot shares characteristics of a horse. It picks its feet off the ground with dainty precision and is able to keep up its pace with a running human as it adopts a horse-like canter.

The smallest of all the creations at Boston Dynamics, Spot has been subjected to some bullying as his introductory video shows a number of staff kicking the little one.


PHOTO COURTESY: THE INDEPENDENT

Spot however, withholds the force of the kicks as the robot's on board sensors allow it to make a quick recovery and maintaining its balance as it would if it tripped in the field.

Though the new robot can not carry as much as it's bigger sibling in weight, it still beats the broader LS3 in a race. It can be used indoors and outdoors and hence, beats the bigger creation in terms of practicality.

Its creators say it could eventually help with search and rescue, mapping and accessing disaster zones.

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