Dog robot goes to oil platform, why?

Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot, Spot, is said to have been tested on the oil platform of Norwegian oil exploration company Aker BP ASA.

Spot walks around while checking to see if there is anything wrong with the facility. Spot is checked for gas leaks or noise through stereo cameras on the front and side of the body. It is said that the meter can also be read. Of course, Spot itself was not originally a basic function, but was optimized.

The company is considering introducing robots and drones in oil well drilling facilities, and one of them will be a spot. Its uses include autonomous inspections, high-quality data collection, automatic report generation and lifesaving, and video communication with remote land personnel.

From the point of view of an oil company, Spot may also be ideal in that it aims to digitize at low cost without emitting carbon dioxide. The spot meets the IP54 dustproof waterproof standard and can operate at temperatures from -20 degrees to 45 degrees Celsius. Operation in cold Norwegian oil fields can sometimes be harsh and if a fire breaks out, the facility can quickly heat up.

As a result of using Spot this time, it is said that it is possible to easily approach the inspection position, which was difficult when attempting to automate in the past. In the preliminary test video, it is said that it is controlled by a controller with a grip and is equipped with various modes. Through this, the robot can walk autonomously and humans can only check through the camera. Of course, the course itself was first guided by humans and remembered by robots. Related information can be found here .

Meanwhile, famous engineer Adam Savage, well-known as the host of the Discovery Channel’s popular program, released a video of dragging a rickshaw to the spot. The tow kit is installed on the top of the spot and the rickshaw on board is focused on the spot.