Increased automation for robotic dog

Spot the robotic dog can be used to survey construction job sites

Trimble has announced that Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog, Spot, is now fully integrated with the company’s X7 3D laser scanner and Trimble FieldLink software, a development that will increase the autonomous operation capabilities of the robot.

This exclusive turnkey solution from Trimble and Boston Dynamics takes advantage of the robot’s capabilities to navigate challenging and potentially unsafe environments.

Trimble’s 3D data capture technology, integrated with Spot, enables a continuous flow of information between the field and the office for consistent documentation of jobsite progress.

Thai Nguyen, director of Virtual Design and Construction, Hensel Phelps, said, “Using the X7 integrated with Spot lets us document changes on the jobsite and make important decisions in the field, rather than waiting hours or potentially days for the information to be relayed to our project staff. This allows us to make the best decisions as quickly as possible with the best information.”

The integration is focused on the automated capture of field construction data through the use of Trimble 3D capture technology and Spot. The autonomous workflow for the X7 laser scanner uses fully integrated Spot robot controls in FieldLink software to create a predefined path of waypoints for Spot to follow and collect laser scans.

The data collection missions can be scheduled to run on a regular basis for design validation and progress reporting. The advantage of this combination is increased efficiency and real-time, as-built data analysis in the field and in the office.

Brian Ringley, construction product manager at Boston Dynamics, commented that, “It’s never been easier to scan a jobsite, and the increased scanning frequency is creating new opportunities in automated project analysis and insight.”