14 DAY TRIAL // Robots that go around by walking instead of using wheels are tricky things, since legs are a lot more complex, not to mention the circuitry and software involved in telling them how to walk in the first place.
Even so, there are quite a few robotic walkers in the world, from spider-based beasts several meters wide and tall to ones that don't even come up to people's waist.
Boston Dynamics is particularly interested in robots that can walk, especially on four legs. We saw it when the Big Dog “mule” came out in 2005 and we're seeing it again now.
Boston Dynamics launches Spot
Spot is a name often used for dogs. It can even be used as a euphemism for dogs in general, depending on where you happen to be.
Little wonder, then, that the new four-legged robot from Boston Dynamics bears that name. After all, it could be mistaken for a dog easily enough.
You know, if you ignore the fact that it's electromechanical and lacks fur. And skin. And a head. And the accompanying neck.
The company isn't saying much about it at present, but it was kind enough to post a video of the new invention on YouTube, which we embedded below.
Still, the video description does have some details, like the weight (160 pounds / 72.5 kilograms) and the broad strokes of how it gets around.
The head (or what passes for a head) uses a sensor to detect the surrounding terrain, while hydraulics allow the legs to move, fueled by electrical power.
Interestingly enough, while the Spot takes a walk during the video, it gets a good kick from one of the Boston Dynamics employees.
Spot manages to keep its balance quite admirably, though the company obviously doesn't advocate animal cruelty. Insofar as kicking a robot can even be considered such a thing. Then again, maybe Spot will become a pet substitute for owners that like to relieve stress through physical acts like that.
The irony
Spot is more of a goat than a dog really, given how its legs are angled backwards. It even hops around like a goat when told to.
Spot will likely become a scout or autonomous guard dog, since it is too small to be the pack mule that the larger Boston Dynamics robots were made as.
