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Science & Technology

Boston Dynamics reveals new 'SpotMini' robot

By T.K. Randall
June 24, 2016 · Comment icon 12 comments

The new robot could prove to be an able household assistant. Image Credit: YouTube / Boston Dynamics
The robotics firm has revealed its latest creation - a dog-like robot designed to help around the house.
Best known for its impressive humanoid 'Atlus' and infamous gas-guzzling 'BigDog' robots, the company has now come up with something a little more consumer-friendly.

Known as 'SpotMini', this quadrupedal contraption looks a bit like a small dog and is equipped with a special arm attachment that can enable it to do everything from dropping empty cans in the bin to putting dirty glasses in to a dishwasher.
A recently released YouTube video also shows how the robot is able to climb up stairs and recover from a fall - a feature hilariously demonstrated thanks to a conveniently placed banana skin.

Whether the robot will ever be available for consumer purchase however, epecially given Boston Dynamics' recent financial difficulties, remains to be seen.



Source: Ars Technica | Comments (12)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #3 Posted by Clair 8 years ago
Well that's one way to freak out the cat.   The idea of disaster response robots though is really cool, provided they can stay on their feet.
Comment icon #4 Posted by DieChecker 8 years ago
Banana Peels.... Classic. I do like that it doesn't jog in place like the Big Dog did.
Comment icon #5 Posted by paperdyer 8 years ago
Needs some floppy ears so the face doesn't look like a lizard.
Comment icon #6 Posted by Nnicolette 8 years ago
It needs a cover so it will look like littlefoot.
Comment icon #7 Posted by Benz 8 years ago
i hope they add a cover/shell to it, if it can detect an intruder and dials 911 then it could make alot of money
Comment icon #8 Posted by little_dreamer 8 years ago
Can it be trained as a guard dog?
Comment icon #9 Posted by DieChecker 8 years ago
It probably could be programmed to use a gun. Then clean up the invader's blood/remains.
Comment icon #10 Posted by Astra. 8 years ago
They are amazing - you wouldn't have to bring the poopy-scoop when you take it for a walk. 
Comment icon #11 Posted by TripGun 8 years ago
Destroy them my robots!
Comment icon #12 Posted by alibongo 8 years ago
B0ston Dynamics have built some cool robots, I'm sure they will hit the money jackpot soon. If I was a soldier in combat I would love to see one of those machines lumbering up with aid,ammo,water,etc. And a BFG as well.


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