Boston Dynamics Unveils SpotMini Robot
Posted on June 24, 2016
Boston Dynamics unveiled its new SpotMini robot in a YouTube video. The robot is a smaller version of its Spot robot. The dog-sized robot has a small head attached to a long bendable neck. It has a mouth that can be used to grab objects. SpotMini weighs 65 lbs. 10 lbs of the weight come from its long neck and head, which Boston Dynamics is calling its arm.
Boston Dynamics says, "SpotMini is all-electric (no hydraulics) and runs for about 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing. SpotMini is one of the quietest robots we have ever built. It has a variety of sensors, including depth cameras, a solid state gyro (IMU) and proprioception sensors in the limbs. These sensors help with navigation and mobile manipulation. SpotMini performs some tasks autonomously, but often uses a human for high-level guidance."
In the video, SpotMini can be seen performing tasks like walking, running, climbing stair and ducking under tables. It performs a strange dance-like maneuver. The robot can also be seen loading a dishwasher and throwing out some trash. It slips on several banana peels "accidentally" left on the floor but manages to right itself.
The end of the video shows SpotMini handing off a beverage to a human but not wanting to let go. Take a look:
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