It has been four years since Boston Dynamics showcased its Spot robot, designed to function effectively in various work environments.
Since then, this agile quadruped has performed a range of activities for several companies, including mapping factory layouts at Ford, conducting safety inspections at a Kia assembly plant, and carrying out radiation assessments for Dominion Energy.
Currently, Spot is being utilized at a Michelin facility located in Lexington, South Carolina, which specializes in the production of tires and light trucks. A recent video released by Boston Dynamics highlights Spot’s various tasks as part of a pilot initiative.
“When we first received Spot, it felt like Christmas morning,” remarked Wayne Pender, a reliability manager at Michelin responsible for ensuring all equipment operates efficiently.
Another reliability manager, Ryan Burns, emphasized the importance of addressing potential equipment malfunctions early to prevent plant shutdowns. Spot assists by scanning 350 different locations with a thermal camera to identify any overheating components or other performance irregularities. Utilizing a specialized software called Orbit, Spot analyzes the data and relays it to its operators for further evaluation. If a discrepancy is detected, a technician is dispatched to assess the situation before determining the appropriate course of action.
“From a technician’s perspective, having Spot conduct these inspections alleviates the monotony of routine tasks,” Burns noted. “By identifying anomalies, Spot allows technicians to focus on planning and scheduling repairs, rather than merely identifying problems all day.”
Burns suggested that increasing the number of Spots at the facility could enhance inspection efficiency, further improving overall productivity.
Boston Dynamics continues to enhance Spot’s capabilities through various pilot programs and partnerships both domestically and internationally.