WATCH: ‘Robodog’ by Boston Dynamics now looks more streamlined, housebroken
Boston Dynamics has revealed its latest work on robotics with a preview video of the new and improved SpotMini.
The four-legged robot now comes with a yellow plastic shell and actually appears more housebroken.
Compared to the footage released in 2016 during the robot’s testing phases, this 2017 version has a more streamlined look. It may have been influenced by Boston Dynamics’ new owners, Japanese company Softbank.
Article continues after this advertisementOne example of Japanese aesthetics when it comes to making friendly-looking robots would be Sony’s latest version of the Aibo robodog.
Image: Sony Aibo official website
The end of the 2016 footage showed off a SpotMini encased in white plates. It appears that Boston Dynamics also managed to shave off a few pounds from the SpotMini since then.
Image: YouTube/Boston Dynamics
Image: YouTube/Boston Dynamics
The company did not reveal yet if they will still incorporate the manipulator arm seen in the test videos. Boston Dynamics may have it as a slot-in accessory, which can be attached to the dorsal portion of SpotMini’s torso. JB
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