Spot, SpotMini, four-legged robots, Boston Dynamics, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA

[Airicist]

Developer - Boston Dynamics, Inc. (https://pr.ai/showthread.php?1805)

Home page - bostondynamics.com/spot (https://www.bostondynamics.com/spot)

SpotMini (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Dynamics#SpotMini) on Wikipedia


https://youtu.be/M8YjvHYbZ9w
Introducing Spot

Published on Feb 9, 2015


Spot is a four-legged robot designed for indoor and outdoor operation. It is electrically powered and hydraulically actuated. Spot has a sensor head that helps it navigate and negotiate rough terrain. Spot weighs about 160 lbs.


https://vimeo.com/129929027

Meet Spot: the most agile robot you have ever seen
June 5, 2015


https://youtu.be/gpVqHyamAWE

DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals - Boston Dynamics "Spot"

Published on Jun 8, 2015


https://youtu.be/gqn_TyFMPOA

Marines testing Spot, the four-legged robot

Published on Sep 21, 2015


Spot is an electrically powered, hydraulically actuated quadruped prototype robot designed by Boston Dynamics. Field testing of Spot began September 15, 2015 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Researchers walked Spot through different terrains to see how the robot coped with the obstacles.


https://youtu.be/S7nhygaGOmo

Fido vs Spot — Animal vs robot

Published on Feb 27, 2016


The robot's lifelike movement catches the attention of a real dog. The uncanny uncanine valley. This is the latest quadruped robot from Google's Boston Dynamics group, and the only one outside of the military.


https://youtu.be/q2gehrAhflQ

See Spot run — Robo romp in the playground

Published on Feb 28, 2016


A demonstration of the new dog on the block, the Spot robot by Boston Dynamics. The military has all of the other ones.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/tf7IEVTDjng

Introducing SpotMini

Published on Jun 23, 2016


SpotMini is a new smaller version of the Spot robot that weighs 55 lbs dripping wet (65 lbs if you include its arm.) SpotMini is all-electric (no hydraulics) and runs for about 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing. SpotMini is one of the quietest robots we have ever built. It has a variety of sensors, including depth cameras, a solid state gyro (IMU) and proprioception sensors in the limbs. SpotMini performs some tasks autonomously, but often uses a human for high-level guidance.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/6MvuYt_57o0

Marc Raibert of Boston Dynamics explains the Spot Mini at Disrupt London 2016

Published on Dec 5, 2016

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/TK3RODN_uZY

'Kind of a show-off': Meet 'Spot Mini', the dog-like robot

Published on Dec 5, 2016


Boston Dynamics showed off one of his latest robotic creations, called Spot Mini - a four-legged 27kg robot with a mechanical arm mounted on its back.
Sensors in its head allows it to navigate and negotiate rough terrain. So can run, hop, and pace, mimicking traditional animal gaits with similar mannerisms to that of a dog.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/DAnl8PnmBUQ

Spot Mini takes the stage at Disrupt London 2016

Published on Dec 5, 2016

"Boston Dynamics CEO Marc Raibert demos the Spot at Disrupt (https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/14/boston-dynamics-ceo-marc-raibert-demos-the-spot-at-disrupt)"

by Romain Dillet
September 15, 2016

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/SvEs_hhb0sI

Boston Dynamics Spot Mini demo at NIPS 2016 in Barcelona

Published on Dec 7, 2016


Impressive and fun demo by Marc Raibert of Boston Dynamics' Spot Mini quadruped robot at NIPS Conference 2016

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/C_RApScdK5o

Boston Dynamics "Spot mini"

Published on Jul 19, 2017

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/AO4In7d6X-c

Meet Spot, the robot dog that can run, hop and open doors | Marc Raibert

Published on Aug 14, 2017


That science fiction future where robots can do what people and animals do may be closer than you think. Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics, is developing advanced robots that can gallop like a cheetah, negotiate 10 inches of snow, walk upright on two legs and even open doors and deliver packages. Join Raibert for a live demo of SpotMini, a nimble robot that maps the space around it, handles objects, climbs stairs -- and could soon be helping you out around the house.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/kgaO45SyaO4

The new SpotMini

Published on Nov 13, 2017

[Airicist]

Article "Who's a good, creepy boy? Boston Dynamics' robot dog, that's who (https://www.cnet.com/news/robot-dog-boston-dynamics-spot-mini-you-tube)"
It's a little ruff around the edges, but someday soon you may be able to fetch yourself a robot pet.

by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
November 13, 2017

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/fUyU3lKzoio

Hey buddy, can you give me a hand?

Published on Feb 12, 2018

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/0PrM0q6P898

This awesome and terrifying robot can open doors

Published on Feb 13, 2018


Robots are coming for us all! Kim & Alan break it down. Give us your thoughts in the comments below!

"You could argue that the door handle has had a disproportionate influence on modern robotics. It was the humanoids of the Darpa Robotics Challenge, after all, that were tasked with opening doors, and it was those machines that helped drive robots to where they are now.

Today Boston Dynamics posted a video of its SpotMini quadruped robot extending an arm out of its head to turn a handle. With the dexterity of a tray-carrying butler, it uses its foot to prop the door ajar, then elbows it all the way open for its (armless) SpotMini friend to walk through. At face value, it's a pretty incredible feat. But it's also an interesting twist in the quest to make robots that get along with a world built by and for humans. Maybe the Darpa Robotics Challenge had it wrong with humanoids after all, and the best robots for rescue operations will look nothing like humans—or any other animal, for that matter."

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/aFuA50H9uek

Testing robustness

Published on Feb 20, 2018


A test of SpotMini's ability to adjust to disturbances as it opens and walks through a door. A person (not shown) drives the robot up to the door, points the hand at the door handle, then gives the 'GO' command, both at the beginning of the video and again at 42 seconds. The robot proceeds autonomously from these points on. A camera in the hand finds the door handle, cameras on the body determine if the door is open or closed and help navigate through the doorway. Controllers provide locomotion, balance and adjust behavior when progress gets off track. The ability to tolerate and respond to disturbances like these improves successful operation of the robot. (Note: This testing does not irritate or harm the robot.)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/UgvwxbGlb08

Robot wants an iPhone X

Published on Apr 4, 2018


SpotMini attended MIT AGI class and stuck around afterwards for some pictures... Here's the full lecture: https://youtu.be/LiNSPRKHyvo Course website: https://agi.mit.edu

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/Ve9kWX_KXus

SpotMini autonomous navigation

Published on May 10, 2018


SpotMini autonomously navigates a specified route through an office and lab facility. Before the test, the robot is manually driven through the space so it can build a map of the space using visual data from cameras mounted on the front, back and sides of the robot. During the autonomous run, SpotMini uses data from the cameras to localize itself in the map and to detect and avoid obstacles. Once the operator presses 'GO' at the beginning of the video, the robot is on its own. Total walk time for this route is just over 6 minutes. (The QR codes visible in the video are used to measure performance, not for navigation.)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/QlJ_-iVbah8

The best robots on four legs | TC Sessions Robotics 2018

Published on May 11, 2018


Boston Dynamics’ rocked the world with the DARPA-funded Big Dog, and founder Marc Raibert showed off its latest creation, the SpotMini at TC Sessions Robotics 2018 at UC Berkeley.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/sp_d-LeJjis

Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini robot in 2019

Published on May 11, 2018


After 26 years, Boston Dynamics is finally getting ready to start selling some robots. Founder Marc Raibert says that the company’s dog-like SpotMini robot is in pre-production and preparing for commercial availability in 2019. The announcement came onstage at TechCrunch’s TC Sessions: Robotics event today at UC Berkeley.

"Boston Dynamics will start selling its dog-like SpotMini robot in 2019 (https://techcrunch.com/2018/05/11/boston-dynamics-will-start-selling-its-dog-like-spotmini-robot-in-2019)"

by Lucas Matney
May 11, 2017

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/wND9goxDVrY

Spot robot testing at construction sites

Published on Oct 11, 2018


We have begun field testing the Spot robot for commercial usage around the world. After an initial mapping run, Spot autonomously navigated two dynamic construction sites in Tokyo and used a specialized payload for surveying work progress. An additional camera in its hand lets Spot do even more detailed inspection work on site. The Spot robot will be available in the second half of 2019 for a variety of applications.


https://youtu.be/kHBcVlqpvZ8

UpTown Spot

Published on Oct 16, 2018

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/OnWolLQSZic

Mush, Spot, Mush!

Published on Apr 16, 2019


It only takes 10 Spotpower (SP) to haul a truck across the Boston Dynamics parking lot (~1 degree uphill, truck in neutral). These Spot robots are coming off the production line now and will be available for a range of applications soon.


https://youtu.be/1dHNXykSP2I

Boston Dynamics' four-legged Spot robots hot off the production line! | What the Future

Published on Apr 19, 2019


Boston Dynamics revealed new video of its Spot robots working together to pull a truck across a parking lot. It says the four-legged robots should be available soon. We also take a look at how modular robots might help build a Martian habitat for astronauts, and the first 3D printed heart made with living human cells.


https://youtu.be/iBt2aTjCNmI

Marc Raibert shows off a close-to-production Spot Mini

Published on Apr 22, 2019


Boston Dynamics' Marc Raibert shows off a close-to-production Spot Mini.

[Airicist]

Article "Boston Dynamics prepares to launch its first commercial robot: Spot (https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/5/18653710/boston-dynamics-first-commercial-robot-spot-demo-amazon-remars-conference-marc-raibert)"
Spot the robot will go on sale later this year

by James Vincent
June 5, 2019

[Airicist]

Article "Boston Dynamics’ robots are preparing to leave the lab — is the world ready? (https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/17/20697540/boston-dynamics-robots-commercial-real-world-business-spot-on-sale)"

by James Vincent
July 17, 2019

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/oXXVtQX0nsw

Michael Perry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-patrick-perry-4160b11) // Boston Dynamics

Published on Jul 29, 2019


What if human-like mobility could be added to automation on construction sites?

Boston Dynamics is looking to answer that question as it begins commercializing its highly mobile and dexterous robots. Vice President of Business Development will share an overview of Boston Dynamics’ vision for applying robots to sensing and manipulation challenges in the robotics industry.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/wlkCQXHEgjA

Spot launch

Published on Sep 24, 2019


Spot is an agile mobile robot that you can customize for a wide range of applications. The base platform provides rough-terrain mobility, 360 degree obstacle avoidance, and various levels of navigation, remote control and autonomy. You can customize Spot by adding specialized sensors, software and other payloads. Early customers are already testing Spot to monitor construction sites, provide remote inspection at gas, oil and power installations, and in public safety. Spot is in mass production and currently shipping to select early adopters.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/bmNaLtC6vkU

Boston Dynamics Spot hands-on: new dog, new tricks

Published on Sep 24, 2019


Boston Dynamics is putting Spot to work. The company has announced a new leasing program for its Spot robot (formerly SpotMini), which is aimed at construction, entertainment, and other automation-friendly industries. But is the world ready for this semi-autonomous quadruped?

"Boston Dynamics’ Spot is leaving the laboratory (https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/24/20880511/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-mini-hands-on-lease-buy)"
A new leasing program is putting dozens of robots to work in the real world

by Russell Brandom
September 24, 2019

Matthew Kelly (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kelly-55465b42)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/jEr1kRf_FC0

Boston Dynamics Spot robot is ready to leave the nest

Oct 4, 2019


The Spot robot from Boston Dynamics is all grown up and ready to leave home, so we're taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of Spot's most iconic, and most disturbing moments.

[Airicist]

Article "The robotic pooch from Boston Dynamics’ viral videos is ready for real work (https://www.fastcompany.com/90431653/the-robotic-pooch-from-boston-dynamics-viral-videos-is-ready-for-real-work)"
The eerily agile Spot is surveying progress at construction sites using AI-analyzed, 360-degree images

by Sean Captain
November 18, 2019

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/k7s1sr4JdlI

Adam Savage tests Boston Dynamics' Spot robot!

Jan 23, 2020


Adam welcomes a new member to the Tested family: Boston Dynamics' Spot robot! All throughout this year, Adam will be conducting builds and projects with Spot, integrating it into the workshop and taking it on adventures in the field. The first thing to do is test Spot's capabilities at an outdoor training course! Our Year with Spot commences!

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/zyaocKS3sfg

Adam Savage's Spot robot rickshaw carriage!

Feb 13, 2020


Adam's first project with Boston Dynamics' Spot robot gives it a novel purpose: pulling a custom-built carriage with Adam as its passenger! Watch Adam give Spot some Victorian flair and the interesting problems that arise in marrying cutting-edge robot technology with vintage transport.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/0NAIJ21Hs_s

Boston Dynamics Spot test 00

Feb 13, 2020


We have been developing a new system for our new dance performance.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/BPkegSX1pJg

Boston Dynamics Spot test 01

Feb 13, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/hyrFItgm-og

Boston Dynamics Spot test 03

Feb 14, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/38xWFdWgU8U

Boston Dynamics Spot test 04

Feb 14, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/_uxm4iR39cc

Meet Spot, the quadruped robot

Feb 11, 2020


Spot, the quadruped robot has been developed by Boston Dynamics. Cognite and Aker BP have tested Spot’s mobility in simulated oil and gas environments to ensure that it can access locations in these facilities too difficult to access through traditional automation.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/y-DfECi-IFA

DARPA: Boston Dynamics – robot Spot Mini evolution

May 13, 2020


Boston Dynamics is an American engineering and robotics design company founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The company is a pioneer in the field of robotics and it is one of the most advanced in its domain. On 13 December 2013, the company was acquired by Google X (later X, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.) for an unknown price. Immediately before the acquisition, Boston Dynamics transferred their DI-Guy software product line to VT MÄK, a simulation software vendor based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On 8 June 2017, Alphabet Inc. announced the sale of the company to Japan's SoftBank Group for an undisclosed sum. On April 2, 2019, Boston Dynamics acquired the Silicon Valley startup Kinema Systems. Products: LittleDog - Around 2010 LittleDog was released, it's a small quadruped robot developed for DARPA by Boston Dynamics for research.; BigDog - was a quadrupedal robot created in 2004 by Boston Dynamics, in conjunction with Foster-Miller, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Harvard University Concord Field Station. It was funded by the DARPA in the hopes that it would be able to serve as a robotic pack mule to accompany soldiers in terrain too rough for vehicles, but the project was shelved after BigDog was deemed too loud to be used in combat. Instead of wheels, BigDog used four legs for movement, allowing it to move across surfaces that would defeat wheels. Called "the world's most ambitious legged robot", it was designed to carry 340 pounds (150 kg) alongside a soldier at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 1.8 m/s), traversing rough terrain at inclines up to 35 degrees. A similar development is Legged Squad Support Systems.; Cheetah - is a four-footed robot that gallops at 28 miles per hour (45 km/h; 13 m/s), which as of August 2012 is a land speed record for legged robots. A similar but independently developed robot also known as Cheetah is made by MIT's Biomimetic Robotics Lab, which, by 2014, could jump over obstacles while running. By 2018 the robot was able to climb stairs. On October 5, 2013, a version of the robot called WildCat was introduced, operating autonomously.; Spot - On June 23, 2016. In November 2019 Massachusetts State Police became the first enforcement agency to use Spot mini as robot cop as well as in the unit's bomb squad.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/VRm7oRCTkjE

With you, Spot can

Jun 16, 2020


Spot, the nimble robot that climbs stairs and traverses rough terrain with unprecedented ease, is now available for purchase to businesses in the U.S. Use Spot for documenting construction progress, reducing risk to people in dangerous environments, or other tasks that are too difficult for traditional automation.

[Airicist]

Article "You can buy Boston Dynamics' Spot robot (if you have $75,000) (https://www.engadget.com/spot-boston-dynamics-commercial-sales-140018961.html)"
The four-legged robot is available for businesses in the US.

by Christine Fisher
June 16, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/C8-w9eF24gU

Boston Dynamics' Spot robot in the home

Jun 25, 2020


At Collision from Home, Boston Dynamics shared it will start selling Spot with a robot arm to businesses interested in mobile manipulation in a few months, and eventually for home use.

"Boston Dynamics will ship Spot with a robot arm ‘in a few months’ and for home use ‘someday’ (https://venturebeat.com/2020/06/25/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-arm-months-home-use-someday)"

by Emil Protalinski
June 25, 2020

[Airicist]

Article "Meet Fluffy: Ford trains robotic dog to map its plants (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2020/07/27/ford-trains-robot-dog-map-its-plants/5496705002)"

by Breana Noble
July 27, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/7nmavYUhC5I

Walk with Spot

Aug 4, 2020


Today we’re launching a new program called Walk With Spot to accelerate the development of robotics applications. We’re doing this by giving people from all walks of life (like you) the opportunity to remotely control a Boston Dynamics Spot (robotic dog) from anywhere in the world using a simple web-based application.


https://youtu.be/XKMeMb9CF8E

We took Boston Dynamics' Spot Robot for a walk from 3,000 miles away

Aug 4, 2020


San Francisco-based Formant is letting anyone remotely take its Spot robot for a walk. Watch The Robot Report editors, based in Boston, take Spot for a walk around Golden Gate Park.


https://youtu.be/ip_Cwj-LYmI

Driving Spot for the first time

Aug 4, 2020


A San Francisco-based company called Formant is giving you -- yes, anybody -- the opportunity to take Boston Dynamic's Spot the robot for a walk, remotely.

Formant (Figure Projects, Inc.) (https://pr.ai/showthread.php?t=22307)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/C9zG4lbsx_k

Boston Dynamics Spot robot put to work at Ford

Aug 10, 2020


A Spot robot from Boston Dynamics nicknamed "Fluffy" has been put to work digitally scanning a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/s6_azdBnAlU

Dope Tech: Boston Dynamics Spot robot!

Aug 10, 2020


I made friends with a robot dog.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/RBLnAhzPpTQ

Autonomous farm work - enter the robots

May 19, 2020


The use of autonomous robots in agriculture is increasing the efficiency of food production. Robots, like Spot from Boston Dynamics, increase accuracy in yield estimates, relieve the strain of worker shortages, and create precision in farming.

"Rocos to add remote management to Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot (https://www.therobotreport.com/rocos-adds-cloud-remote-management-boston-dynamics-spot-robot)"

by Eugene Demaitre
May 19, 2020

"A robot sheepdog? ‘No one wants this,’ says one shepherd (https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/22/21267379/robot-dog-rocos-boston-dynamics-video-spot-shepherd-reaction)"
A word of caution about the robotized future of farming

by James Vincent
May 22, 2020

Rocos Global Limited (https://pr.ai/showthread.php?t=22410)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/TumzsI73NBQ

Boston Dynamics robot "Spot" , demonstration walking at the shopping mall

Sep 18, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/MaUgd-xqZSg

This robot dog ‘sniffs’ nuclear radiation

Nov 13, 2020


Chernobyl’s nuclear accident in 1986 was considered one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. Boston Dynamics' ‘Spot’ robot is being used to ‘sniff out’ radiation with the hope of reducing the need for human exposure to dangerous radiation.

[Airicist]

Article "Dirty job: Cute robot roughneck heads to offshore oil rig (https://www.zdnet.com/article/dirty-job-cute-robot-roughneck-heads-to-offshore-oil-rig)"
The telegenic and highly nimble robotic quadruped performs crucial functions on offshore installations.

by Greg Nichols
December 9, 2020

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/6Zbhvaac68Y

Spot's got an arm!

Feb 1, 2021


Now that Spot has an arm in addition to legs and cameras, it can do mobile manipulation. It finds and picks up objects (trash), tidies up the living room, opens doors, operates switches and valves, tends the garden, and generally has fun. Motion of the hand, arm and body are automatically coordinated to simplify manipulation tasks and expand the arm's workspace, making its reach essentially unbounded. The behavior shown here was programmed using a new API for mobile manipulation that supports autonomy and user applications, as well as a tablet that lets users do remote operations.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/F843AqfNsaA

Meet Spot Enterprise

Feb 2, 2021


Deploy Spot for autonomous inspection and data collection on hazardous and remote sites.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/WvTdNwyADZc

Launch Event: Meet Spot's expanded product line

Streamed live Feb 2, 2021


We're excited to reveal the latest in Spot's expanded product line. Join us live on Tuesday, February 2nd @ 11 am EST, to hear how these products will extend Spot's value for autonomous inspection and data collection.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/2SpNjBI1lu0

How Boston Dynamics' Spot robot learns to dance!

Jan 13, 2021


How does a robot dog learn how to dance? Adam and the Tested team examine and dive into Boston Dynamics' Choreographer software that was behind Spot's recent viral dancing video. We take Spot to the field to test a few of its dance moves and are mesmerized by its nimbleness! As we explore Spot's new movement abilities, we're starting to see a universe of possibilities for how adjusting its gait gives Spot more character and personality.

[Airicist]

Article "Robot dog to the rescue! NYPD unleashes its four-legged 'Digidog' in the Bronx that used its cameras and AI to investigate a hostage situation (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9292077/NYPD-unleashes-four-legged-robo-dog-Digidog-Bronx-investigate-hostage-situation.html)"
The New York Police Department used a four-legged robot in the Bronx
Digidog help officers respond to a hostage situation inside a building
The robot was sent in first to investigate the scene using its camera
Digidog was developed by Boston Dynamics and is the robotic firm's Spot

by Stacy Liberatore (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyliberatore)
February 23, 2021

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/bsHTBz8kUms

Autonomous inspection with Spot Robot - teach and repeat

Mar 10, 2021


With our SaaS solution, we enable robots to inspect industrial facilities. One of the robots our software supports, is the Boston Dynamics Spot robot. In this video we demonstrate how autonomous industrial inspection with the Boston Dynamics Spot Robot is performed with our teach and repeat solution.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/jZVTdLg2w48

PFFtag™, Piaggio Fast Forward and Trimble announce proof-of-concept

Mar 18, 2021


In collaboration with Trimble, we are announcing a proof-of-concept to enable robots and machines to follow humans and other machines in industrial applications. Together, we have integrated a patent-pending PFFtag™ smart following module prototype developed by Piaggio Fast Forward onto a Boston Dynamics’ Spot® robot platform controlled by Trimble’s advanced positioning technology. This eliminates the need to solely control the robot via joystick. This proof-of-concept is one of the many robots and autonomous vehicles Trimble provides solutions for and could apply to many industries Trimble serves, including construction, mining, agriculture, and logistics.

Through our extensive research and observations of how people navigate the physical world, PFF creates innovative mobile technology solutions dedicated to improving human efficiency through intuitive collaboration with machines. The Trimble proof-of-concept is a natural iteration of PFF’s technology and business activities. PFFtag™ enables external partners to leverage our exclusive algorithms and allow their software to communicate with PFF’s software. Ultimately, this can create a wider range of applications for existing machines and positively impact productivity, safety, and quality of work.

Piaggio Fast Forward Inc. (https://pr.ai/showthread.php?16314)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/pTjQsFT2yV8

Go fetch! - Dynamic grasps using Boston Dynamics Spot with an external robotic arm

Mar 1, 2021


Simon Zimmermann (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-zimmermann-63621b99), Roi Poranne, Stelian Coros
ICRA 2021

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/Z3-Fx-flm6M

Adam Savage tests Boston Dynamics Spot's new robot arm!

Feb 22, 2021


Spot has received a massive upgrade in the form of its new robot arm! Boston Dynamics upgrades our Spot with its new arm and Adam puts its gripper to the test to see how well it can grab objects littered around the Tested studio and even open doors! We show how manual operation of the arm works, the dexterity of its movement, and get a sense of its potential as a platform for developers to create dynamic and automated tasks.

NOTE: This is not a sponsored video. Boston Dynamics has leased Spot to Adam Savage as part of their early adopter program. While Tested is chronicling some of Adam's experience with the robot, there is no obligation for Tested (or Adam) to publish videos, photos or media of any kind.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/_y5V7sAETrE

See Spot

Apr 1, 2021


Nicola Bezzo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-bezzo-6615a347), assistant professor in the UVA Engineering Department of Engineering Systems and Environment and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is also a member of UVA Engineering's Link Lab. Bezzo demonstrates his lab's latest addition, a multi-legged robot called Spot.

bezzorobotics.com (https://www.bezzorobotics.com)

youtube.com/@bezzorobotics8854 (https://www.youtube.com/@bezzorobotics8854)

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/tqsy9Wtr1qE

Teaching a robot dog to pee beer

Apr 9, 2021

[Airicist]

Article "N.Y.P.D. Robot Dog’s Run Is Cut Short After Fierce Backlash (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/28/nyregion/nypd-robot-dog-backlash.html)"
The Police Department will return the device earlier than planned after critics seized on it as a dystopian example of overly aggressive policing.

by Mihir Zaveri (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihir-zaveri-863b6824)
April 28, 2021

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/6VUQHrWhoqg

A year with Spot

Jun 16, 2021


One year ago, Spot graduated from its early adopter program and began shipping out to workplaces around the world. From construction sites and power plants to mines and universities, today Spot is up-and-running at hundreds of facilities. And working side-by-side with their new four-legged friend, our customers are proving Spot is not just a tool, but a teammate. Here’s to a year with Spot!

Customer and partner footage courtesy of:
0:01 Dave's Armoury: Industrial robot arms
0:05 dotdotdash with adidas x Pharrell for HU NMD Cream Launch
0:08 Dude Perfect
0:12 Cognite with Aker BP
0:17 RMUS and UAS with Kidd Creek Mine
0:19 LKAB
0:21 bp
0:22 Rhomberg Bau and Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group
0:24 National Grid
0:29 Cognite with Kvaerner Stord
0:32 Trimble
0:37 Foster + Partners
0:43 Levatas
0:47 Rocos
0:51 Fluke Process Instruments and Sorama
0:53 Energy Robotics with Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany
0:56 UKAEA with University of Bristol at Chernobyl
1:03 Percepto
1:05 DroneDeploy with Brasfield & Gorrie
1:07 NASA JPL with NeBula AI and Autonomy plus NASA Ames with Braille
1:09 Pison

"Spot’s year in the real world (https://blog.bostondynamics.com/spots-year-in-the-real-world)"
Over the past year, customers have put Spot to work keeping people safe and improving efficiency. Learn how Spot is adding value.

Blog post
Written by Boston Dynamics team
June 16, 2021

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/7atZfX85nd4

Spot's on it

Jun 29, 2021


We’re thrilled to be part of the Hyundai Motor Group! And we’re celebrating with a dance to BTS's "IONIQ: I'm On It."

"All together now (http://blog.bostondynamics.com/all-together-now)"
Getting seven Spots to dance in unison presented an exciting challenge – as well as a new opportunity to push the robots to their limits. We invited writer Calvin Hennick into our labs to document the process.

Blog post
Written by Calvin Hennick
June 29, 2021

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/GJZeMgqQMjA

Hyundai x Boston Dynamics | Welcome to the Family with BTS

Jun 29, 2021


Look, who visited our film shooting studio! BTS get a surprise visit from two special guests – Boston Dynamics’ Spot and Atlas. Watch them all have fun showing off their moves in an epic dance-off.

We believe that, in the not-so-distant future, robots can come into and enrich human lives.

Welcome to the family, Boston Dynamics.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/0NYJ_9FIHZA

Spot on site: construction solution

Aug 13, 2021


Spot provides autonomous data capture for construction and brings automation to the field for efficient data collection. Accurately and frequently capture the reality of your jobsite and act on valuable data insights.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/bLTLaZJTsBk

Spot at Kidd Creek Mine

Sep 13, 2021


Spot performs inspection in the Kidd Creek Mine, enabling operators to keep their distance from hazards.

[Airicist]

"Spot ReleaseE 3.0: flexible autonomy & repeatable data capture (https://blog.bostondynamics.com/spot-release-3.0-flexible-autonomy-and-repeatable-data-capture)"
A Sensing Solution for the Real World - the Spot Release 3.0 adds functionality to make Spot the data collection solution you need for safer and more efficient inspection rounds.

Blog post
September 15, 2021

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/TTAJDICCll8

Hyundai Motor Group x Boston Dynamics 'Factory Safety Service Robot'

Sep 17, 2021


Hyundai Motor Group has introduced its first project with Boston Dynamics. Meet the new 'Factory Safety Service Robot', based on Boston Dynamics' quadruped, Spot®, and to support industrial site safety.

00:00 Intro
00:00 Factory Safety Service Robot - AI processing service unit
00:11 Factory Safety Service Robot - Autonomous navigation
00:14 Factory Safety Service Robot - Factory door control
00:17 Factory Safety Service Robot - Door open detection
00:20 Factory Safety Service Robot - Monitoring & teleoperation
00:30 Factory Safety Service Robot - High temperature detection

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/viGg-wlK1GM

New Robot Day at Brown - Boston Dynamics Spot

Oct 9, 2021


Video by ScM student Shangqun Yu!

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/SZRAGpo3wy0

How Boston Dynamics is building its robot empire

Oct 9, 2021


Boston Dynamics has sparked the imaginations of the general public with its viral YouTube videos, but the company is now hoping to get the attention of paying customers. Initially, Boston Dynamics received a lot of its funding from the U.S. military and DARPA. Later, it was financed by big-name owners including Google, SoftBank and most recently, Hyundai. All of these companies have tried to steer the robot maker on a path to commercialization, and Boston Dynamics is finally getting there. CNBC got a rare look at Boston Dynamics’ office in Massachusetts, where the team showed off two of the robots they are working to commercialize: Spot and Stretch.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/iubgWPHsuWM

High Voltage Spot Inspections at National Grid (https://www.bostondynamics.com/spot/resources/national-grid)

Oct 13, 2021


Energy giant National Grid is using Spot to keep employees safe and ensure uptime at a critical facility.

National Grid introduced Spot into the thyristor hall at Sandy Pond Converter Station just a few days before the facility’s shutdown period. The inspection robot was equipped with both a high-resolution 30X optical zoom pan/tilt/zoom camera and an infrared (IR) thermal camera to detect signs of potential problems.

A top priority at the facility is the monitoring of equipment conditions. Because the valve hall is water-cooled, any leaks could cause issues leading to equipment overheating and malfunction. While stationary cameras could detect signs of water leaks in certain locations, there’s no way for those cameras to cover every angle of the valve hall.

With the optical zoom camera, Spot was able to inspect the equipment during operation. Just as importantly, the IR camera allowed the robot to detect “hot spots,” where the equipment is hotter in some areas than others.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/A6P6JjVdlE8

The future of enterprise asset management is mobile (https://www.bostondynamics.com/solutions/asset-performance-management)

Oct 19, 2021


What if you could have 100x more information about your industrial sites? Agile mobile robots like Spot bring sensors to your assets in order to collect data and generate critical insights on asset health so you can optimize performance. Dynamic sensing unlocks flexible and reliable data capture for improved site awareness, safety, and efficiency.

[Airicist]

https://youtu.be/XnZH4izf_rI

“Spot Me Up” | The Rolling Stones & Boston Dynamics

Oct 29, 2021


40 years ago, The Rolling Stones debuted their iconic Tattoo You album. We're helping them celebrate. ‘Start Me Up’ taken from Tattoo You 2021:
https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/TattooYou2021So

"Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot looks like a scary Jim Henson puppet in this Rolling Stones tribute (https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/29/22752389/boston-dynamics-spot-robot-dog-dancing-rolling-stones-start-me-up)"
Gimme shelter (from these viral videos)

by James Vincent (https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-vincent-0575597a)
October 29, 2021

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/fsqgBnqWg2Q

Autonomous MOBILE Inspection with Spot

Jan 24, 2022


This video demonstrates an end-to-end LIDAR mapping and autonomy system for robot inspection of complex, multi-floor industrial facilities demonstrated on the Boston Dynamics Spot quadruped robot.

It combines systems developed by two ORI's research groups:
DRS (mapping): https://ori.ox.ac.uk/labs/drs
GOALS (autonomy): https://ori.ox.ac.uk/labs/goals

Part of the Innovate UK funded AutoInspect Project with Createc Ltd
https://ori.ox.ac.uk/projects/autoinspect

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/3hvWhE8nKwA

Tonight Showbotics: Boston Dynamics Robot Dances to BTS’ IONIQ: I’m On It | The Tonight Show

Feb 2, 2022


Jimmy interacts with Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter’s robot, which shows off a dance in collaboration with BTS.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/SUQnduNzsw8

Your cousin from Boston (Dynamics)

Feb 4, 2022


While working security at the Boston Dynamics robotics lab, Your Cousin From Boston gives a robot a Sam Adams. At least he brought a Wicked IPA Party Pack to share!

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/nYih4KB_V54

Mar 28, 2022

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/9MR2K-9xagk

Uneven terrain test of Spot

Apr 3, 2022


Test of traversing the uneven terrain with Spot robot from Boston Dynamics

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/OhIIlptkrSM

Teaching Spot new tricks (https://www.qut.edu.au/news?id=180736)

Apr 8, 2022


QUT robotics researchers have a new robotic best friend that is helping with a range of research projects including studying how people and robots can better interact.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/6U-bI3On1Ww

No time to dance

May 3, 2022


Spot may have moves, but in the real world, the robot gets down and dirty, helping industrial teams keep their sites efficient and safe.

00:00 A New Coworker
00:15 Autowalk Mission
00:25 Reading Analog Gauges
01:05 Thermal Inspection
01:12 Work Order Generated
01:32 We Meet Again
01:46 The Dance
2:12 More Work to Do
02:20 Finale

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/zIdyhGyXcUg

What’s new in Spot

May 3, 2022


We’re excited to announce the latest advancements to Spot’s hardware and ecosystem.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen our customers make huge strides in what they’ve been able to accomplish with Spot – including collecting thousands of data points to drive predictive maintenance models, building comprehensive digital twins of their construction sites, and keeping workers away from dangerous or hazardous situations. We can’t wait to see what they’ll be able to do next.

Customer footage courtesy of Acciona, Energy Robotics, Fluke Process Instruments, and Sprint Reply.

00:00 Introduction
01:24 Improvements to the Spot Base Platform
02:40 New Sensors
03:11 New Samsung Tablet
04:26 New Charger
05:09 Expanded Payload Ecosystem
05:26 Rajant Kinetic Mesh Radio Kit
06:17 Inside the Rajant Kit
06:37 Introducing Spot CORE I/O
07:43 5G Launch Provider
08:21 Continued Support
09:52 A Robot for the Real World

"Doing more with spot (https://blog.bostondynamics.com/doing-more-with-spot)"
Boston Dynamics continues to add new features and capabilities to the Spot platform. Our latest improvements include hardware upgrades and an expanded payload ecosystem.

by Boston Dynamics team
May 3, 2022

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/Fmj5r8ws2Mw

Spot at Globalfoundries | Enterprise Asset Management

May 12, 2022


Globalfoundries, a global semiconductor manufacturer, has turned to Spot to further automate their data collection for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Globalfoundries’ semiconductor manufacturing facility in Burlington, Vermont creates products that go into communication devices, RF technology, and more.

Manufacturing facilities are filled with thousands of inspection points, and adding fixed sensors to all these assets is not economical. With Spot bringing the sensors to their assets, the team collects valuable information about the thermal condition of pumps and motors, as well as taking analog gauge readings. Since this equipment has a long life cycle and slow rate of change, the team can better monitor these assets over time - making better informed decisions to keep the facility running.

Boston Dynamics partner Levatas worked to implement automated inspection missions at Globalfoundries’ facility. Building computer vision models based on gauges and motors of a variety of equipment, Levatas was able to provide Spot the cognitive intelligence it needs to know what it’s looking at, and make decisions based on that information.

Register for our webinar to learn more about Spot's inspection and enterprise asset management capabilities: https://bosdyn.co/3M8m9YU

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/4OflZIcLlYo

Robot discussion between Marc Raibert & Daniela Rus | Daniela Rus & Marc Raibert | TEDxMIT

Jul 21, 2022


Conversation between two leaders in the Robot space Daniela Rus is the Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT. Rus’s research interests are in robotics, mobile computing, and data science. Rus is a Class of 2002 MacArthur Fellow, a fellow of ACM, AAAI and IEEE, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy for Arts and Science. She earned her PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University.

Marc Raibert (born December 22, 1949) is the founder, former CEO, and now Chairman of Boston Dynamics, a robotics company known for creating BigDog, Atlas, Spot, and Handle. Before starting Boston Dynamics, Raibert was professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and an associate professor of Computer Science and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University. At CMU he founded the Leg Laboratory (1980), a lab that helped establish the scientific basis for highly dynamic robots. Raibert developed the first self-balancing hopping robots, a significant step forward in robotics.Raibert earned an Electrical Engineering, BSEE from Northeastern University in 1973 and a PhD from MIT in 1977. His dissertation is entitled "Motor control and learning by the state space model".Raibert was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2008 for biomechanically motivated analysis, synthesis, control, and application of multi-legged robots.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/Ws_V5wNQfts

Spot autonomously riding elevators and opening doors

Sep 19, 2022


A one year update of our ongoing project with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and RMUS Canada to investigate the capabilities of Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot for autonomous inspection and first response in the power sector. Highlights of the first year of the project, featuring the work of PhD student Christopher Baird, include autonomous elevator riding and autonomous door opening (including proxy card access doors) as part of Autowalks, as well as autonomous firefighting.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/-XUVulOQX9c

Automated thermal inspections with Spot (https://www.bostondynamics.com/solutions/inspection/thermal)

Oct 14, 2022


Detecting an overheating motor can be the difference between a $1,000 repair or a $50,000 replacement. As a result, routine thermal inspections are a major part of predictive maintenance operations, but collecting this valuable information frequently is still a challenge in many facilities.

Agile mobile robots like Spot are transforming condition monitoring with dynamic sensing, so industrial teams can make the most of their predictive maintenance programs.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/pAem8K8oJSo

Walk the Walk: HyundaiMotor X BTS for 'BTS Yet To Come in BUSAN' concert

Oct 17, 2022


Spot's got permission to dance! Check out this dance created for the 'BTS Yet To Come in BUSAN' concert.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/fekjf8FuGA0

Spot for Academia & Research

Nov 7, 2022


Spot’s mobility, paired with its open platform for sensing and manipulation, offers the flexibility you need for research and education. With out-of-the-box functionality, Spot can handle its own mobility, autonomy, and navigation while researchers and developers augment the robot in the area of innovation most interesting to them.

bostondynamics.com/solutions/academia-research (https://www.bostondynamics.com/solutions/academia-research)

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/gvzljfK-PiU

See Spot work

Apr 19, 2023


Around the world and around the clock. Boston Dynamics Spot is on site adding value for customers today. Learn more at http://bostondynamics.com/spot

Spot is an agile mobile robot that navigates terrain with unprecedented mobility, allowing you to automate routine inspection tasks and data capture safely, accurately, and frequently. Discover how Spot is being put to work in the real world.

[Airicist2]

Article "Boston Dynamics’ Spot expands sensing, software features (https://mobilerobotguide.com/2023/06/08/boston-dynamics-spot-expands-sensing-software-features)"

by Mike Oitzman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeoitzman)
June 8, 2023

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/qgHeCfMa39E

Spot Levels Up | Boston Dynamics

Jun 7, 2023


The industry standard for dangerous and routine autonomous inspections just got better, now with a brand new set of features and hardware.
Want to learn more about Spot? Read how Spot’s latest features empower safe, autonomous robotic inspection: bostondynamics.com/resources/blog/next-step-safe-autonomous-robotic-inspection (https://www.bostondynamics.com/resources/blog/next-step-safe-autonomous-robotic-inspection)

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/CyjYIgnsIeY

Spot at Ontario Power Generation: Automating Circuit Breaker Tripping and Racking

Jul 26, 2023


There are an estimated 30,000 instances of arc flash each year in the United States alone, and one to two fatalities occur daily in North America. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has five Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots deployed throughout their Enterprise Innovation division. In 2022, the team sought to see if Spot’s dexterous arm could be used to assist in tripping and racking out a 600 volt breaker—an activity that is high risk for arc flash. Now, Boston Dynamics engineers have taken this application to the next level by fully automating the procedure. Spot can perform the entire operation autonomously, with a human issuing high level commands safely out of harm's way.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/djzOBZUFzTw?si=KtHqoisKIiI5k66l

Making Chat (ro)Bots

Oct 26, 2023


We created a robot tour guide using Spot integrated with Chat GPT and other AI models as a proof of concept for the robotics applications of foundational models. Learn more: bostondynamics.com/blog/robots-that-can-chat (https://bostondynamics.com/blog/robots-that-can-chat)

Project Team:
Matt Klingensmith
Michael McDonald
Radhika Agrawal
Chris Allum
Rosalind Shinkle

00:00: Introduction
01:08: Making Chat (ro)Bots
01:39: Precious Metal Cowgirl
02:38: A Robot Tour Guide
03:07: How does it work?
04:19: Shakespearean Time Traveler
04:36: Creating Personalities
04:54: "Josh"
05:23: Lateral Thinking
06:03: Teenage Robot
06:43: Nature Documentary
07:32: What's next?

Article "Boston Dynamics turned its robot dog into a talking tour guide with ChatGPT (https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/26/23933213/boston-dynamics-robot-dog-spot-top-hat)"
The company used ChatGPT to train its four-legged bot to answer questions and generate responses about its facilities.

by Emma Roth (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-roth08)
October 26, 2023

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/Kf9WDqYKYQQ?si=UIR8Tuk3-c-9ZsXp

Stepping Up | Reinforcement learning with Spot | Boston Dynamics (https://bostondynamics.com/blog/starting-on-the-right-foot-with-reinforcement-learning)

Mar 19, 2024


In release 4.0, we advanced Spot’s locomotion abilities thanks to the power of reinforcement learning. Paul Domanico, Robotics Engineer at Boston Dynamics talks through how Spot’s hybrid approach of combining reinforcement learning with model predictive control creates an even more stable robot in the most antagonistic environments.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/sll6EB810mg?si=sfVqoCaKLaQ4M9yx

First for you | Spot for first responders

Mar 26, 2024


We believe that human ingenuity should serve human life. Spot’s unique mobility and ease of use allow responders to stay out of harm’s way and get the information they need to safely resolve incidents. Spot is made for you, the first to arrive, and the last to leave.

[Airicist2]

https://youtu.be/zFUHi3_oiXk?si=-uUFRg0NnCsslmRL

Spot for safety and incident response

Mar 26, 2024


We’re building robots that can keep people out of harm’s way: Spot enables operators to remotely investigate and de-escalate hazardous situations. Robots have been used in government and public safety applications for decades but Spot’s unmatched mobility and intuitive interface is changing incident response for departments in the field today.