SpotMini is a small four-legged robot that comfortably fits in an office or home. It weighs 25 kg (30 kg if you include the arm). SpotMini is all-electric and can go for about 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing.
image/text credit: BostonDynamics
The video, titled “Hey Buddy, Can You Give Me a Hand,” shows a SpotMini approaching a closed door and looking briefly depressed about its inability to get through. A second SpotMini then shows up to help out. This is when the video veers into extra-weird territory.
The robotic limb reaches out, and uses a pincer-grip to grab hold of the door knob.A quick twist-and-pull and the door slides open, allowing the dog to leave the room and potentially escape its life of servitude.
Advertisement
SpotMini inherits all of the mobility of its bigger brother, Spot, while adding the ability to pick up and handle objects using its 5 degree-of-freedom arm and beefed up perception sensors. The sensor suite includes stereo cameras, depth cameras, an IMU, and position/force sensors in the limbs. These sensors help with navigation and mobile manipulation.
