Boston Dynamics’ commercial quadruped robot launched in 2019 is called Spot.
Spot is a four-legged mobile robot designed to move through indoor and outdoor environments. It can climb stairs, carry sensor payloads, navigate semi-autonomously, and be controlled remotely. Boston Dynamics began commercial sales of Spot in 2019, making it more accessible than the company’s earlier research prototypes.
The robot is used for inspection, mapping, surveying, research, and other tasks in which sending a person may be difficult or unsafe. Its capabilities depend on the sensors, software, and payload attached for a particular job.
Spot is often confused with BigDog, an earlier military-funded research robot from the same company. It is also distinct from Atlas, Boston Dynamics’ bipedal humanoid robot. Spot’s four-legged design prioritizes stability and mobility rather than a human-like form.