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Science & Technology

Boston Dynamics reveals new 'SpotMini' robot

By T.K. Randall
June 24, 2016 · Comment icon 12 comments
Spot
Image: Spot by Boston Dynamics
Credit: Jonte / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted)
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 10 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 10 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 10 years ago
Needs some floppy ears so the face doesn't look like a lizard.
Comment icon #6 Posted by Nnicolette 10 years ago
It needs a cover so it will look like littlefoot.
Comment icon #7 Posted by Benz 10 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 10 years ago
Can it be trained as a guard dog?
Comment icon #9 Posted by DieChecker 10 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. 10 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 10 years ago
Destroy them my robots!
Comment icon #12 Posted by alibongo 10 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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