A package containing exciting new robotics technology is always a highlight. A few days ago, we were thrilled to welcome a new AI colleague to the Security Robotics Team—a Spot® Enterprise with a back-mounted arm—and put its impressive capabilities through their paces. So, what can this new assistant do?
Few things are evolving as rapidly as robotic systems. With every advance—or rather, every leap forward—new features are added, and robots are opening up new areas of application. Even the familiar models we already use can handle a wide variety of new tasks thanks to system upgrades or innovative payloads, that is, equipment.
Robotic colleagues are part of our everyday lives. We research, develop, integrate, and test a wide variety of models And for us, Spot’s are a natural part of the team. To ensure we can continue to cover every conceivable customer scenario in the future, we need to stay on top of things and explore the possibilities offered by new technology.
Out of curiosity, we conducted a wide variety of tests and very quickly realized what an invaluable addition such a versatile gripping tool is. This is not a “simple” 360° robotic arm, like those used in the manufacturing industry; rather, the arm is packed with intelligence as well as camera and sensor technology.
Opening doors and windows, safely picking up objects—holding them securely without crushing them—as well as pulling, holding, and transporting things are no problem. Although Spot® has been able to get almost anywhere on its four legs up to now, thanks to its arm, it can get a bird’s-eye view from a height of 1.80 meters, illuminate areas, and use (arm) cameras, measure distances, mechanically check the stability and contents of objects, and even press doorknobs “just to be safe,” just as a human would.
With its gripper arm, the robot can lift up to 11 kg, pull up to 25 kg, and—thanks to its 360° range of motion—be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks, precisely where efficient handling is important.
As a result, this version provides highly effective support to human personnel and offers even greater flexibility in typical use cases such as security, maintenance, and facility management. Especially in situations where conditions are hazardous to humans—such as in hot, radioactive, or gas-contaminated areas—a Spot® Arm can make a decisive difference.
During rescue operations, objects blocking the way can be removed—via remote control—without requiring a person to enter ruins at risk of collapse. People in need of rescue can lean on the robot or be pulled out of dangerous areas. Doors that were previously impassable are no longer a problem, allowing Spot® to be used much more effectively inside buildings as well.
During inspections, equipment checks become even more precise, and any necessary adjustments, settings, or modifications can be made directly using the robotic arm, without the need to send additional personnel. This saves time and money.
Across the broad spectrum of KRITIS sectors, it is essential to guarantee maximum security. Agile, autonomous Spot® arms—equipped with various payloads and capable of handling any situation—can not only ensure perimeter protection but also serve as an effective response tool.
Just for fun, Spot® Arm “served” as our door opener, window closer, workshop assistant, sketch artist, and even took the little GO1 for a walk. If it offers so many possibilities just for fun, what must this model be capable of in real life?
In addition, the Spot® Arm also functions as part of a safety network and is integrated into the ACUDA Central Software Platform It is integrated via a wide variety of wireless communication channels and therefore requires neither wires nor a “cable” to function as an integrated robot. As a result, all networked systems and participants benefit from the advanced capabilities and features of its arm; for example, they can call on the system for assistance.
The chassis and arm—which are dust- and water-resistant—operate under the same operating conditions, ranging from -20° to +45°C, and the robot’s back can accommodate an additional technical module, such as a LIDAR. We consider the “assistant’s” extended autonomy to be a particular highlight—after all, there’s no longer a need for a human when a hand is needed somewhere. As a result, the “newcomer” is rightly in the spotlight today and will showcase its unique strengths as a smart support tool in customer projects in the future.
CONTACT FOR PRESS & COMMUNICATION:
Michael Engel
Email: info@security-robotics.de
Phone: 0151-11036184