Video: Robotic dog patrols Kia factory at night

Kia has begun using a Boston Dynamics robotic dog with artificial intelligence (AI) for nightly safety patrols at one of its factories.

Both Kia and Boston Dynamics are majority owned by Hyundai Motor Group, which has employed the dog in a pilot program to assess and flag any potential risks at the South Korean plant.

Using a livestream camera, thermal camera, AI, and LiDAR – a similar technology to radar – the robot can move autonomously through the industrial site, monitoring temperatures and detecting potential fire hazards – as well as checking to see whether doors are open or closed. Office personnel can also remotely control the dog if there is a safety concern.

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The ‘Factory Safety Service Robot’ is based on Boston Dynamics’ Spot quadruped platform, and is the first collaboration between the two companies.

“The Robot will help detect risks and secure people’s safety in industrial sites,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Robotics Lab.

“We will also continue to create smart services that detect dangers...and help support a safe work environment through continuous collaborations with Boston Dynamics.”