Hyundai Group puts Boston Dynamic's Spot to work as a safety robot

Hyundai Motor Group is putting a Boston Dynamics Spot robot through its paces in a trial intended to enhance factory safety at its Kia plant in South Korea.

With an integrated thermal camera and 3D LiDAR, the robot is able to detect persons around it, monitor high-temperature situations and potential fire hazards, and perceive whether a door is open or closed.

The robot can be remote-controlled through a secure webpage that provides a livestream of its movements around the plant, enabling office personnel to remotely observe industrial areas. The Robot's AI technology also allows the Robot to detect dangers and send alarms to managers through the secure webpage.

The Group is currently utilising the robot to support late-night security patrols, although more roles that support a safer environment for workers are being explored for the robot. The Hyundai Group will access the robot's effectiveness as well as its applicability before expanding its patrol areas and reviewing additional deployment to other industrial sites.