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Boston Dynamics' SpotMini Robot Dog Will Go On Sale Next Year (cnet.com)

Almost two years ago, Boston Dynamics unveiled their SpotMini robot to the world. It's a four-legged machine that can open doors and power through disturbances. CNET reports that the SpotMini will go on sale next year "for companies that want a mechanical quadruped to get to places a wheeled device can't reach." From the report: Boston Dynamics has 10 SpotMini prototypes now and will work with manufacturing partners to build 100 this year, company co-founder and President Marc Raibert said at a TechCrunch robotics conference Friday. "That's a prelude to getting into a higher rate of production" in anticipation of sales next year, he said.

Raibert didn't reveal price plans, but said the SpotMini robots could be useful for security patrols or for helping construction companies keep tabs on what's happening at building sites. SpotMini can be customized with attachments and extra software for particular jobs, he said. Eventually, though, the company hopes to sell it for use in people's homes.

2 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. And so it begins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metalhead_%28Black_Mirror%29

  2. Re: Robot dog vs Tesla Coil... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    A tesla coil likely wouldnâ(TM)t do much due to the skin effect of very high frequency ac. I built one 20 years ago and would play with the arcs with my fingertips. The main problem was the burns from the plasma, but easy to mitigate by wrapping my fingertips in foil.