Spot

By Enzo
Who is Spot?
Spot is no typical dog spot is actually a robot. Spot
was created by the company Boston Dynamics.
Spot has more capable features than most robots.
Though Spot doesn’t have the price tag of any
normal robot dog. It has the cost of a some cars.
For $74,500 you can get your own spot, this is a
basic spot. For a slightly more expensive price you
can get a maxed out spot for $174,200.
What is Spot?
Spot is a tool, just like a hammer spot can be
useful. He is made to be an extra hand when
working. He is a robot that has autonomous
sensing abilities. Spot is capable of traversing
terrain better than some humans. He is a walking
computer capable of make decisions with or
without manual input. But let's be honest Spot is
cooler without someone controlling him.
Where does Spot work?
Spot works in commercial areas only in and is not
intended for use outside of that field. Spot is useful
in power generation facilities, decommissioned
nuclear sites, research laboratories, factory floors,
and construction sites. He is used in areas where
humans might be in trouble a little bit, like if
exposed to dangerous radiation, substances, or
falling objects. This is why spot is used.
Why does Spot exist?
Spot exists as a customizable platform for
consumers that purchase him. Spot is getting
tailored updates and accessories for the fields he is
being used in. This customizability also interests
government agencies like NASA who has workers
that use him. These workers are found at the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory.
When was Spot made?
Spot debuted in 2015, featuring in a teaser of its
features. Spot was still in a testing phase then and
would get tested at places like oil rigs. Spot on was
made commercially available in June this year.
How does Spot help?
Spot helps by creating an environment humans can
still explore but not get hurt, like in decomissioned
nuclear site, oil rigs, and mines. Spot can even save
time and prevent injuries, for example spot can go
over rebar mesh safer than humans can and almost
double the speed. Spot has also saved companies
20 hours of work per week by taking pictures of
the construction progress of new facilities without
an operator.
This is Spot:
How does spot relate to what we have learned in class?
This event correlates with the “What is Life” video we
watched in class on August 31st. Boston Dynamics is
claiming that spot is comparable and more capable that
some human workers in certain scenarios. Spot also has the
ability to adapt, use energy, respond to stimuli, and obtain
energy. This makes spot getting closer to the definition of
life that we learned in Ms. Wilsons class.