Google-owned robotics company Boston Dynamics has unveiled its newest creation, the SpotMini robot designed for use in the home.
The 55lb SpotMini dog is the size of a German Shepherd with a neck like a giraffe and, as such, can walk underneath the previous AlphaDog 240 like a puppy.
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It can navigate around furniture, crouch to walk under tables and use its ‘head’ as a mechanical arm. It can climb stairs, pick itself up from a slip and even break into a little canter.
SpotMini can run for 90 minutes between charges and is the quietest Dog robot yet.
Google has also been pushing the firm to create robots that could help around the house. With SpotMini and the two-legged AtlasBot, the company might be on the right track.
The reveal comes amid reports of tension between Google and Boston Dynamics. After videos showed BD workers ‘bullying robots’ Google sought to distance itself from the acquisition.
Recent rumours had suggests Google is lining up potential suitors, including Toyota.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
