Advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence have reached new heights with the introduction of Spot, the robot dog, at the Copernicus Science Centre. Developed by Boston Dynamics, Spot has undergone rigorous testing at NASA for potential missions on Mars and cave exploration.
Versatile Applications
Robert Firmhofer, the center’s director, emphasizes Spot’s remarkable versatility, bridging the gap between advanced AI and robotics, as well as showcasing the future prospects of medicine and biotechnology. During the onset of the pandemic, MIT scientists equipped Spot with additional functionalities to aid in COVID-19 triage, minimizing the risk of exposure for healthcare workers.
Barbara Malinowska-Pohoryles from the exhibition department highlights visitors’ ability to control Spot themselves through new software. An obstacle course featuring stairs, inclines, and balance beams has been constructed, showcasing Spot’s animal-like movement. Additional sensors can be attached to Spot, enabling exploration of inaccessible or hazardous areas.
Advanced Features and Limitations
Equipped with 360-degree cameras and sensors for obstacle avoidance, Spot closely mimics animal behavior. However, it requires periodic rest, returning to its charging station for an hour of downtime every hour.