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.
One 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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