In a world where artificial intelligence and robots are becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s always exciting to see how engineers are pushing the boundaries and finding new ways to make these machines even more useful. And that’s exactly what Santiago has done by combining ChatGPT with Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, Spot. At first glance, the idea of a robot dog communicating with humans using an AI model may seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. However, the innovation is actually designed to make robot dogs even more efficient in performing complex tasks.

Spot can answer Queries in real time using ChatGPT

So, how does it work? Well, ChatGPT is a powerful AI model developed by OpenAI that can generate coherent and meaningful text based on user input. Santiago has integrated Google’s text-to-speech technology to allow users to ask Spot questions by voice, and Spot can answer in real-time using ChatGPT. The result is a robot dog that can interpret questions, parse documents, and formulate answers.

In a video posted by Santiago, we see Spot answering questions about its battery level, mission details, and more. And what’s even more adorable is that Spot can even indicate a yes-no answer by nodding or shaking its head, which gives it an extra touch of cuteness.

But why did Santiago undertake this project? According to IT Home, the robot dogs run automated tasks every day, and each task uses a long and difficult-to-understand configuration file that only a technician can understand. Additionally, after each mission, the robot dog collects a lot of data, but there’s no easy way to query all that data at any time. This is where ChatGPT comes into play, making it easier to understand the configuration files and query the data.

Of course, some people might be nervous about integrating AI into robots. The idea of robots communicating with humans using an AI model might conjure up images of a dystopian future where robots have turned on their creators. But for now, it’s all about making the work of those using robot dogs more efficient.

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(Via)

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There is a growing preference for robopets which are robots using artificial intelligence (AI) to perform sometimes extraordinary tasks. US-based firm Boston Dynamics is a leading light in robotics, with its famous robotic dog called Spot. A Chinese tech firm, Welian has now developed the Chinese version of Spot, called AlphaDog, which is already on sale in China for 16,000 yuan ($2,400). Compared to the $74,500 price tag of Spot, this is, without doubt, a far cheaper version.

AlphaDog uses sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to perform several tasks, and Welian says that future upgrades will further expand the robotic dog’s capability to carry out a whole host of applications, including guiding the visually impaired, barking, and even carrying out voice commands from its owner.

Welian says AlphaDog is very similar to a real dog, and it can get to a top speed of 9 miles per hour, placing it among the fastest robots presently. AlphaDog also can retain its balance even when kicked by humans. It can determine the amount of friction and ground conditions to adjust its height, adjust its pace, and adapt to its environment, according to Welian’s chief technical officer, Ma Jie.

Welian has deployed 5G technology to make AlphaDog carry out tasks autonomously. More than 1,800 units have been sold within the first month of the release of AlphaDog. According to Welian, much of the current orders were from computer developers, tech enthusiasts, and kids.  

It remains to be seen how soon Welian will incorporate all the necessary upgrades that would transform AlphaDog into a visually impaired guide, a dog capable of deterring intruders through a menacing barking spree, and being able to communicate via voice prompts from its owner. These aspects are obviously under development by several robotics firms across the world.

Recall that Boston Dynamics’ Spot recently participated in a combat exercise involving humans and robots in France, carrying out reconnaissance missions during the exercise.

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The French Army has recently deployed a group of robots in the simulation of a combat mission held in a military school. The robotic dog named Spot, produced by US robotics manufacturer Boston Dynamics was among several robots deployed for offensive and defensive missions in collaboration with military school students. According to the school’s commandant, Jean-Baptiste Cavalier, the two-day training exercise provided an opportunity for the organizers to measure the added value that robots introduce into combat actions. The combat exercises saw Spot carrying out reconnaissance missions.

The robots used for the combat exercise were given to the French Army by Shark Robotics and Nexter Group. Boston Dynamics has said that it was aware that its robot Spot was being used for military exercises but was unaware of the present combat exercise’s details. The combat drills consisted of various offensive and defensive missions that were simulated by the students first without using robots and then using the robots.

The combat exercise analysis showed that the robots were a bit slower on their tasks than the students, and Spot was reported to have run out of battery life in the middle of a mission. However, the robots kept the troops safer, thus justifying their possible deployment in actual combat operations. The current exercise reflects the growing use of robots for military applications, bound to enhance and modify the way the military operates in actual combat situations.

We have read stories of Spot being deployed for other activities but this is the first time we are coming across a combat deployment. Boston Dynamics had previously produced several robots used in military applications, though, both offensive and defensive. The company has, however, gradually transformed into a robotics manufacturer of non-military-grade robots. It recently launched its proprietary and easy-to-deploy robot with a versatile robotic hand and mobility for packing and unpacking loads in warehouses. The robot has the ability to work on its batteries for several hours on a full charge.

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US-based robotics manufacturer Boston Dynamics has released yet another robot to enhance logistics in the warehouse. The company claims its new robot called Stretch is very efficient and versatile, making it possible to deploy it to warehouses without installing additional automation infrastructure. According to Boston Dynamics, the Stretch robot can move boxes in the warehouse at an estimated throughput rate of 800 packages per hour.

The design of Stretch is a bit different from several of the previous logistics robots produced by Boston Dynamics since 2019 when it acquired Kinema Systems. It has a square mobile base, a set of wheels for navigation around its environment, a perception mast fitted with cameras and sensors to aid the robot’s intelligent movement. The Stretch robot also has massive robotic arms with seven degrees of freedom and a suction pad system that enables it to lift loads up to 23kg securely. The carrying capacity of the Stretch looks minimal, as it cannot deal with heavy loads, which are common.

Boston Dynamics is bringing mobility to warehouse automation. Watch Stretch – our new case handling robot – move, groove and unload trucks.

Read the announcement. https://t.co/5B7wDDKC38 pic.twitter.com/i3Dsoz9Tq8

— Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) March 29, 2021

According to Michael Perry, VP of Business Development at Boston Dynamics, the robot can provide automation in environments that do not have automation infrastructure. It does not need additional tracks or other infrastructure for it to navigate seamlessly across the warehouse. The Stretch comes with a battery system that can power the robot for eight hours on a full charge. The robot can also be tethered to the mains electricity supply with ease.

Boston Dynamics is yet to put a price tag on the new robot. Its affordability may be a driving force that could encourage customers seeking an inexpensive and straightforward automation solution to their logistics problems. It remains to be seen how the robot will perform in the planned pilot scheme by Boston Dynamics to test the robot. The pilot run will precede the eventual commercial deployment of the Stretch robot in 2022.

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UPDATE: Check out a video of the robot in action from below.

The original story continues;

A Japanese-made robot has become an instant hit and COVID-19 protocols enforcer, having joined the staff of a store with the mandate to ensure that customers wear masks and practice sufficient physical distancing to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

This star robot, whose name is Robovie, was developed by leading robotic firm, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and offers guidance and direction to visitors to the official merchandise and memorabilia store of Osaka-based football club, Cerezo Osaka.

Robovie uses a powerful camera in combination with 3D laser beam technology and Artificial Intelligence to guide its operations. It warns customers immediately it detects that they are not wearing face masks or observing physical distancing rules.

Robovie’s deployment provides an innovative response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and an indication of how tech firms are providing solutions to human problems. The robot is on trial at the store for up to a month, in the first instance, ATR stated.

Till date, Japan has more than 120,000 reported cases of COVID-19 and about 2,000 deaths. Being close to China where the virus emanated, Japan has been able to exceptionally manage the pandemic better than many countries. Compliance to prevention protocols like regular use of facemasks in public places, physical distancing and hygienic practices.

However, authorities are not letting their guards down and are calling for vigilance amidst the likelihood of a second wave of infections after a resurgence in cases as the weather becomes colder and people spend more time in enclosed places.

The potential of robots playing a significant role in the response to future disease outbreaks is very promising. Robots had played important roles including in isolation centres and hospitals, providing safe solutions to very risky and hazardous situations for humans.

The use of Robots in Japan also includes cheerleading as spotted back in June during the professional baseball game where Fukuoka SoftBank Hawk hosted Rakuten Eagles. The host team owned by Softbank deployed over 20 robots to dance in a choreographed style to the team’s fight song on a podium in the stand which was entirely empty. Some of the robots include the famed Boston Dynamic’s Spot and Softbank’s humanoid robot named Pepper.

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