05 November 2024

While not nearly as frigthening as the mythological Roman underworld guardian Orcus, Boston Dynamics has devised a high-tech protector for the nearly 2,000-year-old remains of the city of Pompeii. Named "Spot," this autonomous robot patrol dog is embedded at the site to identify and chase away grave robbers and relic thieves.

Pompeii ruins.

However, Spot is more than a guard dog. Because the robot can traverse different types of terrain and patrol tunnels, caves, and other difficult-to-access locations, Spot is also tasked with gathering data for continuing studies of the Pompett site.

Spot on tunnel patrol.

Spot in "beat cop" mode.

Watch Spot on Patrol