<h2>New Best Friend</h2>
We&#8217;ve seen Boston Dynamics&#8217; SpotMini <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/spotmini-boston-dynamics-construction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climb stairs</a>, <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spot-mini-robot-dogs-truck" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pull heavy loads</a>, and even <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/boston-dynamics-robodog-twerk-moonwalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dance like no one&#8217;s watching</a> — and now, we&#8217;re finally getting a look at the version of the robo-dog that could one day do all those things on your command.
On Thursday, Boston Dynamics&#8217; CEO Marc Raibert unveiled the <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/18/boston-dynamics-debuts-the-production-version-of-spotmini/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">production version</a> of SpotMini at a TechCrunch-hosted startup showcase. He claims the company will produce about 100 of the robots this year, with production expected to begin in July or August — meaning it might not be long before we have bio-inspired robots navigating our homes.
<h2>A Better Bot</h2>
According <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/18/boston-dynamics-debuts-the-production-version-of-spotmini/">to TechCrunch</a>, the production version of SpotMini includes &#8220;redesigned components to make it more reliable, skins that work better to protect the robot if it falls and two sets of cameras on the front and one on each side and the back, so it can see in all directions.&#8221;
Raibert doesn&#8217;t think the production version of the robo-dog will be limited to the capabilities it ships with, either.
During the conference he said he hopes SpotMini will become the &#8220;Android of robots,&#8221; a reference to Google&#8217;s mobile operating system. In other words, he envisions software engineers writing their own apps to give the robot new capabilities.
As for the big question that remains — How much for that robo-dog in the video? — Raibert said Boston Dynamics will reveal pricing details this summer.
READ MORE: <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/18/boston-dynamics-debuts-the-production-version-of-spotmini/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Dynamics debuts production version of SpotMini</a> [TechCrunch]
More on SpotMini: <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spot-mini-robot-dogs-truck" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch a Pack of Boston Dynamics’ Creepy Robot Dogs Pull a Truck</a>

Production on the robo-dog is expected to begin this summer.

Boston Dynamics unveils SpotMini you’ll actually be able to buy

See Spot Sell

Boston Dynamics has debuted the version of its SpotMini robot dog that it plans to actually sell to consumers — but it has yet to announce a price tag.

Boston Dynamics Unveils SpotMini You’ll Actually Be Able to Buy

What the company hasn't unveiled: a price.

<h2>Dog Squad</h2>
Step aside, reindeer — robot dogs are hauling this load.
In an ominous video titled &#8220;Mush, Spot Mush!&#8221; posted on YouTube Tuesday, robot maker Boston Dynamics showed off the sheer strength of its SpotMini quadripedal robot dog. The clip shows 10 specialized Spotmini derivatives called Spotpower hauling a box truck across a parking lot — and at a one degree incline.
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OnWolLQSZic?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The robot maker <a href="https://futurism.com/its-all-fun-and-games-until-private-security-turns-a-spotmini-into-a-killing-machine">announced in 2018</a> that it will start selling SpotMini robot dogs to the public this year. The 66 pound robot can climb stairs, cross a wide variety of different terrain and carry 31 pounds.
<h2>Spot, the Red-Nosed Reindog</h2>
Potential applications range from home use to private security. The caption of today&#8217;s video announced that the Spotpower model will be sold to the public for a &#8220;range of applications soon.&#8221;
What exactly those applications will look like and how much a Spotpower will go for is still unclear. But it&#8217;s an incredible feat of strength and agility that sets the bar for future commercial robots.
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/see-a-pack-of-spotmini-robot-dogs-pull-a-truck-in-creepy-feat-of-strength/">See a pack of SpotMini robot dogs pull a truck in creepy feat of strength</a> [CNET] 

More on Boston Dynamics: <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-atlas-jogging">Boston Dynamic&#8217;s Robot Atlas Just Went Jogging</a>

Watch a pack of Boston Dynamics' creepy robot dogs pull a truck

Red-Nosed Reindog

In an ominous video titled "Mush, Spot Mush!" posted on YouTube today, robot maker Boston Dynamics showed off ten of its robot dogs hauling a truck.

Watch a Pack of Boston Dynamics’ Creepy Robot Dogs Pull a Truck

Spotmini isn't just nimble, it's super powerful, too.

<h2>Don&#8217;t Believe Me?</h2>
The last time we saw Boston Dynamics&#8217;s dog-like robot SpotMini, it was <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/spotmini-boston-dynamics-construction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the job</a>, prancing around a construction site to demonstrate its surveying skills.
But all work and no play makes SpotMini a dull bot. Sometimes, a robodog just <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boston-dynamics-robot-dog-dances-to-uptown-funk-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wants to dance</a>.
<h2>Just Watch</h2>
On Tuesday, Boston Dynamics release a video of SpotMini dancing to Mark Ronson&#8217;s &#8220;Uptown Funk.&#8221;
In the clip, the bot demonstrates a bevy of surprising slick moves. It twerks. It moonwalks. It suggestively gyrates its robot hips while seemingly staring directly into your soul.
Clearly, if things don&#8217;t work out in the construction industry, SpotMini could always pursue a career as a backup dancer. And that&#8217;s great because even a robodog needs to have options.
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READ MORE: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boston-dynamics-robot-dog-dances-to-uptown-funk-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Dynamics&#8217; Door Opening Robot Dog Can Now Moonwalk to &#8216;Uptown Funk&#8217;</a> [Business Insider]
More on SpotMini: <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/spotmini-boston-dynamics-construction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch Boston Dynamics&#8217; Lazy Robodog March Around a Construction Site Without Helping at All</a>

Watch the Boston Dynamics robodog twerk and moonwalk to "Uptown Funk"

We in the Spot

Robotics company Boston Dynamics has released a video of its dog-like robot SpotMini dancing to Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk"

Watch the Boston Dynamics Robodog Twerk and Moonwalk to “Uptown Funk”

SpotMini gon' give it to you.

<h2>A Busy 24 Hours</h2>
Thursday morning, Boston Dynamics released a video of its humanoid robot <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/boston-dynamics-atlas-parkour-master" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlas parkour-ing</a> its way across an obstacle course.
Twelve hours later, the company followed up with a video of its dog-like bot SpotMini. This time, what the bot is doing isn&#8217;t as important as where it&#8217;s doing it: on a construction site.
<h2>See SpotMini See</h2>
According to the video&#8217;s description, SpotMini is navigating two construction sites in Tokyo, walking each site once to map it, and then a second time to survey building progress using a specially added camera in its &#8220;hand.&#8221;
Based on the video, the bot clearly has no problem maneuvering through the sites — it prances down narrow hallways, saunters up and down stairs, and steps over short ledges to move between rooms.
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<h2>Work <del>Like</del> With a Dog</h2>
In May, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2018/05/11/boston-dynamics-spotmini-robot-on-sale-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Dynamics announced</a> that it was building dozens of versions of SpotMini to tackle various commercial tasks, and based on this video, construction supervisor is apparently one of them.
The video&#8217;s description notes that the bot will be available for purchase in the second half of 2019. So within a year, construction workers could have a new supervisor on site — and while it might not do much, it&#8217;ll see everything.
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/boston-dynamics-is-prepping-its-robot-dog-to-get-a-job/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Dynamics Is Prepping Its Robot Dog to Get a Job</a> [WIRED]
More on SpotMini: <a href="https://futurism.com/its-all-fun-and-games-until-private-security-turns-a-spotmini-into-a-killing-machine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You’ll Be Able to Buy a Boston Dynamics SpotMini Soon, Please Don’t Teach It To Kill</a>

Watch Boston Dynamics' lazy robodog march around a construction site without helping at all

Pet Peeve

Based on a new video, Boston Dynamics's SpotMini dog-like robot may be gearing up for a career as a construction site supervisor.

Watch Boston Dynamics’ Lazy Robodog March Around a Construction Site Without Helping at All

Construction workers: Meet your next supervisor.

Boston Dynamics’ robots are performing human tasks out in the field. They could be adapted to create a more efficient future.

Robots & Machines

Boston Dynamics' robots are performing human tasks out in the field. They could be adapted to create a more efficient future.

Boston Dynamics’ SpotMini Could Deliver Your Next Package

Autonomous robotic dogs and log jumping robotic men are not two characters out of science fiction – they’re Boston Dynamics flagship robots.

Autonomous robotic dogs and log jumping robotic men are not two characters out of science fiction - they’re Boston Dynamics' flagship robots.

Boston Dynamics' robots are on the move

Autonomous robotic dogs and log jumping robotic men are not two characters out of science fiction - they’re Boston Dynamics flagship robots.

Boston Dynamics' Robots Are on the Move

Boston Dynamics’ Robots Are on the Move

In the Black Mirror episode &#8220;Metalhead,&#8221; a highly-advanced, autonomous robo-dog terrifies an innocent woman. We never learn exactly why it&#8217;s trying to murder every human in its path. But considering we&#8217;ve now seen the likes of Boston Dynamics&#8217; <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spotmini-open-doors/">SpotMini</a> or <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-atlas-jogging/">Atlas</a> marching and jogging around in real life, it&#8217;s become creepier (and more resonant) than ever.
And they&#8217;re becoming very capable — even an evil engineer with a leash <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spotmini-open-doors/">can&#8217;t hold them back</a>. Now, Boston Dynamics announced that it&#8217;ll <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2018/05/11/boston-dynamics-will-start-selling-its-dog-like-spotmini-robot-in-2019/">start selling</a> its good boy SpotMini as soon as next year. The CEO made the announcement on stage at TechCrunch&#8217;s <a href="https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-sessions-robotics-2018/">TC Sessions: Robotics</a> event at UC Berkeley. But should we be terrified?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
Did these people not see Black Mirror??? <a href="https://t.co/8Zoy86K0JG">https://t.co/8Zoy86K0JG</a>
&mdash; Ian Petty (@ianpetty25) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianpetty25/status/995030010061905921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
SpotMini embodies some of Boston Dynamics&#8217; most advanced robot technologies: they&#8217;re quiet, weigh only 66 pounds, and a single charge can have one hopping around and opening doors for 90 minutes straight.
And it&#8217;s come a long way. It perceives its surroundings using a sophisticated 3D vision system, and can even <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-atlas-jogging/">make its own way through a warehouse</a>, without user input. With the help of an adorable (or terrifying?) neck attachment, SpotMini can grab the newspaper for you, play fetch, and generally be a really good boy, too.
But in the wrong hands, SpotMini could be put to much darker uses as well (if you&#8217;re not familiar with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwtxWL0P9wA">those YouTube videos </a>where people duct-tape kitchen knives to the tops of Roombas, trust us, you should be).
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Boston Dynamics founder and CEO Marc Raibert <a href="https://youtu.be/QlJ_-iVbah8">discussed possible applications</a> on stage at the TechCrunch event. &#8220;I think people think that it&#8217;s easy to get around with wheeled [robots], but that&#8217;s really not the case. Every place you go has some obstacle that wheeled things struggle with,&#8221; like going up and down stairs for search-and-rescue missions. &#8220;We think SpotMini can go to a much larger fraction of places.&#8221;
Unsurprisingly, even when prompted by TechCrunch moderator and Editor Brian Heater, there was no mention of specific security industry applications. After all, an &#8216;accessibility aid for the impaired&#8217; sells a lot better, than a &#8216;walking death machine, with a machine gun mounted to its back.

It's kind of like a Roomba, but a lot more sophisticated (and expensive).

You'll be able to buy a Boston Dynamics SpotMini soon, please don't teach it to kill

Boston Dynamics announced that it's about to start selling the SpotMini to the public. Is it time to start running yet?

You'll Be Able to Buy a Boston Dynamics SpotMini Soon, Please Don't Teach It To Kill

Has no one watched Black Mirror?

You’ll Be Able to Buy a Boston Dynamics SpotMini Soon, Please Don’t Teach It To Kill

Everybody needs to get some fresh air every once in a while. Even, uh, robots.
Boston Dynamics just uploaded a video of its upright, bipedal robot called Atlas going for a jog. No <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S4ZPvr6ry4">tethers</a>, no <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY">awkward stiffness</a>, just a robot, a green field, and plenty of fresh air. No stress holding it down, Atlas effortlessly crosses different types of terrain, from gentle slopes, to heavy brush — even a log can&#8217;t slow him down. With the help of a little squat, Atlas clears the log like an Olympic gymnast, going for gold. Good job, Atlas! 10/10
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vjSohj-Iclc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Needless to say, Boston Dynamics&#8217; robots are getting pretty damn good at crossing all kinds of terrain, and doing every-day human stuff. And all by themselves now, relying on battery power, instead of having to rely on external power sources. They can leap, <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spotmini-new-trick/">open doors</a>, and sustain some serious <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spotmini-open-doors/">physical (and psychological) abuse</a>. Let&#8217;s just hope they don&#8217;t hold grudges.
<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/2A7WEtHthhfbnsd2RQ">via GIPHY</a>
In a second video, Boston Dynamics shows off its SpotMini robot walking along a pre-defined path through a warehouse — fully autonomously, without any extra help. The camera follows it as it makes its way along a specified route through Boston Dynamics&#8217; offices and lab facility. Sensors on its front, back, and sides interpret the physical world around it in real-time to help SpotMini situate itself. All it had to go on was depth data collected from a previous tour.
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It&#8217;s only a matter of time until videos of engineers being enslaved by their robot captors, appear on YouTube. Unfortunately, even running away from them won&#8217;t help you much now.

Boston Dynamics' Atlas just went for a cool jog in the garden, like it's no thing

Sci-Fi Visions

Check out this video of Boston Dynamic's robot Atlas jogging through a garden with ease and read more about their agile, battery powered robots at Futurism.

Boston Dynamic's Robot Atlas Just Went Jogging | Futurism

The sentience wars continue. 

Boston Dynamics’ Robot Just Went For A Cool Jog In The Garden, Like It’s No Big Deal

In early February, <a href="https://www.bostondynamics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Dynamics&#8217;s</a> SpotMini robot impressed the world with its new ability to <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spotmini-new-trick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">open a door</a> all by itself and then hold it open for a fellow robot to walk through. Now, Boston Dynamics and SpotMini are back to show off the latter&#8217;s dedication to opening doors.
On February 20, Boston Dynamics shared a new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFuA50H9uek" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> in which SpotMini once again approaches the now-familiar door. This time, however, the bot is met with resistance in the form of a person wielding a hockey stick. The conflict between man and machine lasts roughly 30 seconds before one emerges victorious.
&#8220;Software provides locomotion, balance, and adjusts [SpotMini&#8217;s] behavior when progress gets off track,&#8221; reads the video&#8217;s YouTube description. &#8220;The ability to tolerate and respond automatically to disturbances like these improves successful operation of the robot.&#8221;
<iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aFuA50H9uek?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The video isn&#8217;t meant to highlight how terrible people can be but rather SpotMini&#8217;s ability to adapt to external forces and stay on task. It&#8217;s also another concrete example future robots and artificial intelligences (AI) will be able to cite when trying to prove humans used to be mean to them.
Boston Dynamics seems to be aware that the public may react negatively to a clip that features what looks like a (headless) robot dog just trying to do its best. &#8220;This testing does not irritate or harm the robot,&#8221; reads a note in the video&#8217;s description.
We&#8217;ll likely see more from Boston Dynamics and SpotMini in the future, but it&#8217;s anyone&#8217;s guess what new trick the robo-dog will reveal next. Perhaps SpotMini will graduate from door handles to doorknobs or learn how to insert a key into a lock. Maybe Boston Dynamics will reverse the roles, and SpotMini will keep a person from opening a door.
Any scenario you can imagine has the possibility of being equal parts entertaining and terrifying.

The robo-dog is trained to resist humans.

Boston Dynamics's SpotMini is really, really determined to open doors

Boston Dynamics and SpotMini return with a new video showing off the latter's burning desire to open doors, even when a person tries to stop it.

Boston Dynamics's SpotMini Is Really, Really Determined to Open Doors

Even a human with a hockey stick can’t stop the robot dog.

Boston Dynamics’s SpotMini Is Really, Really Determined to Open Doors

SpotMini, <a href="https://www.bostondynamics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Dynamics&#8217;s</a> dog-like quadruped robot, is back, and it&#8217;s learned a new trick. <a href="https://www.bostondynamics.com/spot-mini" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The robot</a>, which was unveiled in <a href="https://futurism.com/meet-spotmini-the-robot-best-friend-you-never-knew-you-wanted/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">June 2016</a> and then updated in <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-spotmini-robot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">November 2017</a>, can now open doors and hold them open.
While opening a door is slightly old hat for a Boston Dynamics robot — Atlas <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY&amp;t=80s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barreled through a push-bar door</a> two years ago — SpotMini&#8217;s operation is more eloquent. The robot uses its fifth appendage, an arm mounted essentially where a canine&#8217;s head would be, to swiftly assess the door, locate and twist the handle, and pull the door open.
In a video released by Boston Dynamics, not only does the new-and-improved SpotMini open the door for itself, it even holds it open for its robot colleague. A portrait of professional collegiality, this is a big step up from the solo activities of <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a21487/boston-dynamics-one-armed-robot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">washing dishes or rolling over</a>.
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Boston Dynamics has made steady progress in their efforts to build robots that move in a life-like manner, whether it&#8217;s Atlas&#8217; Homo sapiens-like saunter or SpotMini&#8217;s four-legged gallop. The same month they debuted their updated SpotMini, the company made headlines by releasing a video showing their Atlas robot&#8217;s <a href="https://futurism.com/boston-dynamics-bipedal-robot-backflip/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">back-flipping antics</a>.
The SpotMini&#8217;s latest development is confirmation that progress continues to march on behind Boston Dynamics&#8217;s doors. But while biomimetic robots are certainly useful — the ability to copy human motion enables these robots to dexterously manipulate objects and navigate complex terrain — they still inspire more fear than awe in many people.
Outlets such as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2018/2/12/17005060/boston-dynamics-robot-dog-open-door" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Verge</a> and <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a17217364/boston-dynamics-newest-robot-trick-is-straight-out-of-jurassic-park/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Popular Mechanics</a> have noted the similarities between SpotMini and the door-opening velociraptors of Jurassic Park splendor — not exactly a calming comparison, so if you envision these <a href="https://futurism.com/dark-future-autonomous-guard-dogs-black-mirror/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">robots taking over the world</a>, you&#8217;re not alone.

Most real dogs can’t match the skills of this robotic one.

Boston Dynamics's SpotMini just unveiled a new trick

Boston Dynamics's four-legged SpotMini robot has learned a new trick: how to deftly open doors and hold them open for others to walk through.

/Spotmini

See Spot Sell

Boston Dynamics Unveils SpotMini You’ll Actually Be Able to Buy

Red-Nosed Reindog

Watch a Pack of Boston Dynamics’ Creepy Robot Dogs Pull a Truck

We in the Spot

Watch the Boston Dynamics Robodog Twerk and Moonwalk to “Uptown Funk”

Pet Peeve

Watch Boston Dynamics’ Lazy Robodog March Around a Construction Site Without Helping at All

Robots & Machines

Boston Dynamics’ SpotMini Could Deliver Your Next Package

Robots & Machines

Boston Dynamics’ Robots Are on the Move

Robots & Machines

You’ll Be Able to Buy a Boston Dynamics SpotMini Soon, Please Don’t Teach It To Kill

Sci-Fi Visions

Boston Dynamics’ Robot Just Went For A Cool Jog In The Garden, Like It’s No Big Deal

Robots & Machines

Boston Dynamics’s SpotMini Is Really, Really Determined to Open Doors

Robots & Machines

Boston Dynamics’s SpotMini Just Unveiled a New Trick

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