"Spot" on a construction site. Boston Dynamics photo
Homeowners’ dogs aren’t always a wood floor pro’s best friend on a job site, but a new report suggests dog-like robots may prove useful to pros in the future.
Log in to view the full article
Homeowners’ dogs aren’t always a wood floor pro’s best friend on a job site, but a new report suggests dog-like robots may prove useful to pros in the future.
Boston Dynamics, an engineering and robotics design company, sent out 100 of its robots to be tested in different industries, and one of them has so far been an asset on a construction site in Honolulu, according to a report by Hawaii News Now.
The 3-foot-tall robot, nicknamed Spot, is equipped with a 360-degree camera and laser scanner and takes precise measurements while snapping two photos a second, according to the report. Spot moves 3 mph and can carry up to 30 pounds. It has been working with a construction company to track progress on an apartment building renovation, and was helpful early on in the project; the data it recorded assisted in catching a discrepancy with the building’s columns.
“We can see how many studs get placed per day, and how many linear feet of conduit are installed by the electricians,” the building contractor added regarding the robot’s usefulness.
Spot is operated via a handheld control console but will soon be able to navigate the construction site on its own, according to the report.
All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.