Spot turns watchdog! Hyundai is using Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot to patrol its motor plants in South Korea
BMW Hyundai has a new site safety officer at one of its Kia assembly factories in South Korea — Spot, Boston Dynamic's famous and oft-dancing robotic dog.
In fact, the 'Factory Safety Service Robot' has been upgraded with applied artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation and various remote sensing technologies.
The robot can also be taken control of remotely and securely, allowing office personnel to observe and survey parts of the factory from a central location.
Starting with a pilot operation in one factory, the augmented Spot will support late-night security patrols and create a safer environment for plant workers.
Should this trial prove to be successful, Hyundai has said that it will look to expand the robot's patrol areas and consider deployment to additional sites.
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Hyundai hasa new site safety officer at one of its Kia assembly factories in South Korea — Spot, Boston Dynamic's famous and oft-dancing robotic dog, pictured
Hyundai has equipped the robot with a thermal camera and three-dimensional LiDAR sensing technology which allows it to see people, determine whether doors are open or closed (as pictured) monitor high-temperature systems and detect fire hazards
'The Robot will help detect risks and secure people’s safety in industrial sites.
'We will also continue to create smart services that detect dangers at industrial sites and help support a safe work environment through continuous collaborations with Boston Dynamics.'
Hyundai has equipped the robot with a thermal camera and three-dimensional LiDAR sensing technology which allows it to see people, determine whether doors are open or closed, monitor high-temperature systems and detect fire hazards.
Should it detect a danger to factory personnel or infrastructure, the modified Spot can send alerts to managers via its online remote-control interface.
One advantage of the robot over conventional security guards is that it can navigate through tight spaces more easily and allow sight onto otherwise blind areas.
Moreover, Hyundai said that it can connect multiple Factory Safety Service Robots to the same control system to patrol numerous zones simultaneously. 
The 'Factory Safety Service Robot' has been upgraded with applied artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation and various remote sensing technologies
Starting with a pilot operation in one factory, the augmented Spot will support late-night security patrols and create a safer environment for plant workers. Should this trial prove to be successful, Hyundai has said that it will look to expand the robot's patrol areas and consider deployment to additional sites
The robot can also be taken control of remotely and securely, allowing office personnel to observe and survey parts of the factory from a central location
The announcement of Spot's new vocation follows Hyundai's acquisition of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics back in June of this year.
The automotive manufacturer purchased a 80 per cent stake in the robotics firm from original owner SoftBank, which has retained the remaining 20 per cent stake through its affiliates. For the sale, Boston Dynamics was valued at $1.1 billion.
Hyundai Motor Group has announced that it is looking to advance robotic technologies to improve their industrial sites, develop self-driving vehicles and — in the future — Urban Air Mobility solutions like drones and personal air vehicles.
The announcement of Spot's new vocation follows Hyundai's acquisition of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics back in June of this year. The automotive manufacturer purchased a 80 per cent stake in the robotics firm from original owner SoftBank, which has retained the remaining 20 per cent stake through its affiliates
One advantage of the robot over conventional security guards is that it can navigate through tight spaces more easily and allow sight onto otherwise blind areas
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