Boston Dynamics has unveiled their next-generation autonomous walking robot. The quadruped SpotMini looks sleek in its new yellow casing, it also moves even more naturally than previous dog bots.
The all new electric quadruped robot has been designed for homes, offices and outdoor applications. So, pet or guard droid, SpotMini can do it all, apparently.
SpotMini
The doglike robot is production ready. It comes equipped with a set of 3D vision cameras allowing the robot to be totally aware of its surroundings.
SpotMini weighs 25 kg (30 kg if you include the arm/neck attachment).
The mechanical mut can mooch around for around 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing of course.
According to Boston Dynamics, this is the quietest robot they’ve built. This makes it perfect for a domestic setting. Well, that and sneaking up on unsuspecting ne’er-do-wells.
SpotMini inherits all of the mobility of its bigger brother, Spot, while adding the ability to pick up and handle objects using its 5 degree-of-freedom arm and beefed up perception sensors. Granted, it doesn’t look quite as cute with the arm attachment. I guess you could add googly eyes, though.
Additionally, the sensor suite includes stereo cameras, depth cameras, an IMU, and position/force sensors in the limbs. These sensors help with navigation and mobile manipulation.
Interestingly, SoftBank has now started rolling out the latest SpotMini robot in Japan. Word is that we can even expect it to be made available further afield very soon. Perhaps even Europe and the US.
Would you?
