SpotMini is a small four-legged robot that comfortably fits in an office or home. It weighs 25 kg (30 kg if you include the arm). SpotMini is all-electric and can go for about 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing. SpotMini is the quietest robot we have built.
SpotMini inherits all of the mobility of its bigger brother, Spot, while adding the ability to pick up and handle objects using its 5 degree-of-freedom arm and beefed up perception sensors. The sensor suite includes stereo cameras, depth cameras, an IMU, and position/force sensors in the limbs. These sensors help with navigation and mobile manipulation.
The broader goal is to create a flexible platform for a variety of applications. SpotMini is currently being tested for use in construction, delivery, security, and home assistance applications.
The SpotMini moves with the same weirdly smooth confidence as previous experimental Boston Dynamics robots with names like Cheetah, BigDog, and Spot.
Spot, the Mini’s closest ‘relative,’ stands at close to four feet and weights about 160 pounds. A video of Spot navigating stairs and other complex terrain — and staying on its feet when kicked — has been viewed nearly 19 million times on YouTube. Fascination with Boston Dynamics’ creations is largely rooted in their agility, which can make them seem shockingly like living creatures.
