US Tech Company Puts Up Robotic Dog for Sale

A dog-like robot called Spot from Boston Dynamics, an engineering company based in the United States, can now be purchased for about $75,000. The robot was first introduced five years ago, but it was not made available to the public for purchase until this year. When the robot was initially released in 2015, Boston Dynamics launched an early adopter program in which 150 Spot robots were deployed to a variety of businesses and research laboratories. The program participants were free to customize their Spot robots based on their needs and preferences. Videos from these trials showed Spot performing a wide range of tasks from opening doors and dancing to surveying and detecting perils in areas that are too risky for humans. These areas included construction sites, warehouses, factories, and mineshafts. The four-legged robot stands around one meter tall, can walk up to about five kilometers per hour, and is able to move on nearly any terrain. Spot is equipped with a 360-degree camera and has the ability to sense and dodge obstacles. The robot can also be programmed to perform specific tasks. Michael Perry, vice president of business development at Boston Dynamics, said that the versatile robot is useful for nearly all kinds of businesses. However, the user agreement for the robot prohibits using it to inflict damage or harm. Perry warned that if the robot is used for malicious purposes, the company will revoke its user’s license. Interested buyers can purchase Spot on Boston Dynamics’ website. After they make a $1,000 deposit, the robot will be delivered to them between six to eight weeks later.