Sources and Resources
Boston Dyanamics Spot information
https://www.bostondynamics.com/products/spot
FDNY use of Boston Dyanamics Spot
https://www.vision-systems.com/non-factory/article/14270374/fdny-to-place-two-boston-dynamics-spot-robots-in-service
Pixabay image credit
Boston Dyanamics Spot in Pompeii
https://www.google.com/amp/s/nypost.com/2022/03/31/boston-dynamics-robot-dog-is-now-patrolling-pompeii-ruins/amp/
A major theme in science fiction has been man and machine working together. Science fiction stories with the robot or AI as the villain are plentiful, bringing the Matrix and Alien to mind, but the future looks bright for man/machine collaboration. CoBots are companion robots that function in industrial and non-industrial settings.
Cobots are currently used in industrial settings, and got their start as production assistants. Robots have traditionally been fenced and caged off to prevent injury to people, and industrial robotics safety is a full-time discipline. As time progressed, the robot began to stand side by side with man in the production line. Cobots can be either programmable and autonomous or operationally remote. Typically programmable robots have needed to be caged and fenced to prevent injury to operators. People have died as a result of robot interface.
Meet Spot, the “Agile Mobile Robot” made by Boston Dynamics. You have probably seen this robot on the internet. It can carry 14kg of inspection equipment, has a good UX experience and can be programmed for specific missions and tasks. The FDNY currently employs one of these units to check building structural integrity and emitted gasses during an emergency. One of the best uses of Cobots is to do jobs that are hazardous for people. A drone or dog-style robot like Spot could be instrumental during disasters, and should be a common feature on first-responder crews in the future. Spot is also functioning as a guard dog, and is being used to patrol the ruins of Pompeii in Italy. Humans are at risk in security roles, and a robot that reports threats is a boon to us.
The robot dog-style robot is emerging as the archetype of cobots in action. Drones can also function as cobots, and AI can take a number of shapes. The ways we used to interact with robots denoted caution. Robots were in essence means of efficient production, but in the future they will help us as partners. The word Cobot is evolving to be a phrase of endearment.
Cross posted to Hive from Steemit.