Domino’s Trains Boston Dynamics Spot Robot Dog to Deliver Pizza and Keep Seagulls Away
Credit: Domino’s Pizza
The Domino’s Pizza chain of pizzerias told how they use the dog-like four-legged robot Boston Dynamics Spot in practice. It serves both as a pizza delivery man and a guard dog that drives away seagulls.
The new product, called Domidog, is the world’s first robot dog designed specifically for food delivery. The device is capable of moving on complex surfaces such as sand and pebbles, thanks to built-in sensors, stereo cameras and an advanced navigation system.
The robot is equipped with a 360-degree view, which allows it to successfully avoid obstacles and deliver pizzas safe and sound. The device is currently being tested in the resort town of Eastbourne.
The idea for such a robot arose after a study conducted by Domino’s, which found that 87% of UK residents are irritated by seagulls stealing food on beaches. In addition to delivery, the robot dog performs another important function – it scares away birds, protecting customer orders.
Spot is Boston Dynamics’ flagship platform for industrial control, security, and research and development. The base version costs $75,000, the robotic arm costs another $30,000, and the sensor suite costs up to $35,000, meaning the full robot package can cost $140,000.
