For decades, we have thought of robots facilitating our lives. Spot will play a key role in the U.S. maintaining a dominant position in A.I., and also making our lives easier as a personal assistant.

几十年来，我们一直在思考机器人如何改善我们的生活。 Spot将在美国扮演重要角色，保持在AI领域的主导地位，并让我们的个人助理生活更加轻松。

Technology has already proven to have outstanding influence in the advancement of humanity. It has ignited change since the industrial revolution, and only seems to be picking up more steam as we go. The human species has quickly moved forward from the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel, to handheld personal computers and artificial intelligence. These advancements have made the average human being more knowledgeable and resourceful than any person from 100 years ago. Boston Dynamic is now leading the path to revolutionize the next 100 years.

技术已被证明对人类进步具有杰出的影响。 自工业革命以来，它已经引发了变革，而且随着我们的前进，似乎似乎还在积蓄更多力量。 人类已经从发现火灾和发明轮子Swift发展到手持式个人计算机和人工智能。 这些进步使普通人比100年前的任何人都更加知识渊博。 波士顿动力现在正在引领着未来100年革命的道路。

Earlier this year, I had written a story analyzing How The United States has Been Handing Its Lead in Artificial Intelligence to China. However, Boston Dynamic’s Spot marks the first promising sign of American ingenuity making significant progress in the field.

今年早些时候，我写了一个故事，分析了美国如何将其在人工智能方面的领导权移交给中国 。 但是，Boston Dynamic的Spot标志着美国独创性在该领域取得重大进展的第一个有希望的信号。

According to the manufacturer, “Spot is the quadruped robot that climbs stairs and traverses rough terrain with unprecedented ease, yet is small enough to use indoors. Built to be a rugged and customizable platform, Spot has a proven track record of supporting remote operation and autonomous sensing across a variety of industries.” The robot is designed to simulate a dog in its movement, but it is easily the most advanced piece of robotics technology available for the money.

根据制造商的说法，“ Spot是四足机器人，它可以空前轻松地爬楼梯并穿越崎terrain的地形，但体积小到足以在室内使用。 Spot是一个坚固耐用且可定制的平台，在支持各种行业的远程操作和自主感应方面有着良好的记录。” 该机器人旨在模拟狗的运动，但它很容易成为赚钱的最先进的机器人技术。

Boston Dynamic has been working on this product since 2016, when they unveiled a 55 pound robot. It was meant to be much lighter and nimble than some of their other projects. The company received praise from technology enthusiasts, but also garnered a large group of skeptics as their YouTube videos made headlines. Their videos would highlight a series of stunts performed by Spot which included opening a door, moving through obstacles, and maintaining its balance as it is being kicked over by a person. Despite all the attention, it was not apparent whether the device would be commercially available. There was also the question of how much effort it would take for the robot to perform these tasks.

自2016年推出55磅重的机器人以来，Boston Dynamic一直在研究该产品。 它本来比其他项目轻巧得多。 该公司不仅受到了技术爱好者的称赞，还因为他们的YouTube视频成为头条新闻而吸引了一大批怀疑者。 他们的视频将重点介绍Spot所进行的一系列特技表演，包括打开门，穿越障碍物并在有人踢倒时保持平衡。 尽管引起了所有人的关注，但尚不清楚该设备是否可以在市场上买到。 还有一个问题是，机器人执行这些任务需要花费多少精力。

Earlier this year, Boston Dynamics began to capture headlines once again. Their canine robot is now available for sale at $75,000. It is classified as an industrial robot; has 3 motors in each shoulder, which enables its nimble mobility; weighs 71 pounds; has a payload capacity of 31 pounds; you can control the robot with an Android powered handheld device; and, it can use a series of functions to move around autonomously.

今年早些时候，波士顿动力再次开始成为头条新闻。 他们的犬类机器人现在售价为75,000美元。 它被归类为工业机器人； 每个肩膀有3个电机，因此移动灵活； 重71磅； 有效载荷容量为31磅； 您可以使用Android手持设备控制机器人； 并且，它可以使用一系列功能来自动移动。

More impressively, Spot uses artificial intelligence to visualize its surroundings. This means that the user can direct the robot to any direction, while the robot optimizes each movement to decide the best course of action to move towards the destination. Sensors detect obstacles to let it know if there is a rock to climb or a wall to avoid. The movements are so precise that it can bounce around in just two of its four legs. Even better, if the robot takes on a challenge that leads to it falling over, it can recover itself with a series of movements it already knows out of the box. These features and more are highlighted by Unbox Therapy in the video below.

更令人印象深刻的是，Spot使用人工智能来可视化其周围环境。 这意味着用户可以将机器人指向任何方向，而机器人可以优化每个动作来决定朝目的地移动的最佳动作。 传感器检测障碍物，以告知是否有要爬的岩石或要避开的墙壁。 动作如此精确，以至于它的四只腿中只有两条可以弹跳。 更好的是，如果机器人接受挑战使其摔倒，它可以通过一系列已知的动作恢复自身。 在以下视频中，“开箱疗法”会突出显示这些功能以及更多功能。

Now that we have a better understanding of just how Spot functions, we can get into the specifics of how it will revolutionize the world. There are dozens of applications for this product, and the list will continue to grow as more developers use it. Here are some of the better applications in its current configuration.

现在我们对Spot的运作方式有了更好的了解，我们可以深入了解它如何改变世界。 该产品有数十个应用程序，并且随着更多开发人员使用它，列表将继续增长。 以下是其当前配置中的一些更好的应用程序。

视察 (Inspections)

As a Manufacturing Engineer with experience in different fields, I can attest that sustaining effective inspections can be a significant challenge for even the most advanced companies. Whether inspections are conducted on widgets in the manufacturing process, or equipment for preventative maintenance, false negatives result in hundreds of thousands of dollars lost by companies each year. A false negative is present when someone wrongly identifies a lack of problems. Because human beings have limited attention spans and discipline, we often see issues overlooked — resulting in costly countermeasures.

作为具有不同领域经验的制造工程师，我可以证明，即使对于最先进的公司，维持有效的检查也可能是一项重大挑战。 无论是在制造过程中对小部件进行检查，还是对预防性维护的设备进行检查，假阴性都会导致公司每年损失数十万美元。 当有人错误地识别出缺乏问题时，就会出现假阴性。 由于人类的注意力跨度和纪律性有限，因此我们经常会忽略一些问题，从而导致代价高昂的对策。

Spot’s combination of autonomy and artificial intelligence allow customers to set up their robot for a series of inspections. The only limiting factor would be whether or not the robot can access the area. It is actually one of their advertised applications on the site. They also sell accessories like the Spot CAM + to further enhance its abilities. “The Spot CAM+ payload turns Spot into a powerful inspection tool with purpose-built cameras and turnkey integration. Spot CAM+ features a color ring camera with a 360° field of view, for complete situational awareness while remotely operating the robot. A pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) color camera adds a powerful 30x optical zoom, enabling detailed inspections from a distance. Integrated high-sensitivity microphones and amplified speakers enable remote auditory inspections and two-way communications with operators in the field.”

Spot将自主性与人工智能相结合，使客户可以设置自己的机器人进行一系列检查。 唯一的限制因素是机器人是否可以进入该区域。 它实际上是他们在网站上发布的应用程序之一。 他们还出售Spot CAM +等配件，以进一步增强其功能。 “ Spot CAM +有效负载将Spot变成了功能强大的检测工具，具有专用摄像机和交钥匙集成功能。 Spot CAM +配备了具有360°视野的彩色环形摄像头，可以在远程操作机器人时获得完整的态势感知。 云台变焦(PTZ)彩色摄像机增加了强大的30倍光学变焦，可以从远处进行详细检查。 集成的高灵敏度麦克风和放大扬声器可实现远程听觉检查以及与现场操作员的双向通讯。 ”

Using machines to conduct inspections eliminates the human error involved with manual inspections. The autonomy of this robot allows the user to conduct repeat checks to increase reliability of the results. The artificial intelligence in the device can also use machine learning to improve its accuracy over time. Some of these same functions have already been proven by DJI drones, so the likelihood of Spot succeeding in the field is very high.

使用机器进行检查可以消除人工检查所涉及的人为错误。 该机器人的自主性允许用户进行重复检查，以提高结果的可靠性。 设备中的人工智能还可以使用机器学习来提高其准确性。 DJI无人机已经证明了其中一些相同的功能，因此Spot在该领域成功的可能性非常高。

私人助理 (Personal Assistant)

Even back in the 1960's, people have imagined the possibility of having robotic personal assistants. In 1962 The Jetsons portrayed a robot named Rosey that would serve her owners. With Spot, we are closer than ever to making this a reality. Although this specific robot is meant to be used as an industrial piece of equipment, Boston Dynamics has voiced their intent to provide a version of Spot which will be available for personal use.

甚至在1960年代，人们就已经想到拥有机器人私人助理的可能性。 1962年，Jetsons塑造了一个名为Rosey的机器人，该机器人可以为她的主人服务。 借助Spot，我们比以往任何时候都更接近实现这一目标。 尽管该特定机器人打算用作工业设备，但波士顿动力公司已表达了他们打算提供供个人使用的Spot版本的意图。

The robot comes equipped with a set of standardized rails that enable it to have a wide arrange of applications. This has already made it possible for it to open doors, hold flash lights, carry items, and even pull a man on a carriage.

机器人配备了一套标准化的导轨，使其具有广泛的应用范围。 这已经使得它可以打开门，握住闪光灯，搬运物品，甚至将人拉上马车。

With the increase of online shopping, companies have needed to find creative solutions for quickly delivering products. Spot provides a medium for both merchants and customers to reach a middle ground. By adding a basket to the top of Spot, its owners can send it to businesses within a 40 minute distance to pick up their purchases. Unlike drones, the canine-like robot would not need any additional infrastructure to function. It will walk through sidewalks, grass, gravel, and pretty much whatever else you put in its path. More importantly, it does so with minimal risk to others.

随着在线购物的增加，公司需要寻找创新的解决方案来快速交付产品。 Spot为商家和客户提供了达成中间立场的媒介。 通过在Spot顶部添加一个购物篮，其所有者可以将其发送到40分钟内的商家处以提货。 与无人机不同，类似犬的机器人不需要任何其他基础设施即可运行。 它会穿过人行道，草丛，砾石，以及几乎任何其他放置在其路径中的东西。 更重要的是，这样做对他人的风险很小。

For more immediate applications, users can have Spot carry their tools or supplies from point A to point B in their home. It can carry your grandparents’ laundry or groceries to wherever they need to go. One could even get creative and attach a vacuum to it, which will enable it to clean the carpets for the owner.

对于更直接的应用，用户可以让Spot将工具或耗材从家中的A点运送到B点。 它可以将祖父母的洗衣或食品杂货带到他们需要去的任何地方。 人们甚至可以发挥创造力，并在上面吸尘，这将使其能够为所有者清洁地毯。

长期应用 (Long Term Applications)

Some other applications that may require more manipulation of the system are in the horizon. Although they may not be available out of the box, there is good reason to think we are not far from these being a reality.

可能需要对系统进行更多操作的其他一些应用程序也即将出现。 尽管它们可能不是开箱即用的，但有充分的理由认为我们离实现这些目标不远。

Combining Spot’s ability to inspect, and the ability to maneuver around obstacles, makes it very capable to serve as a security system. This is especially effective for large properties where it is difficult to cover the entire space with cameras. Farms can use the system to monitor its perimeter and identify if boundaries have been breached. Businesses can monitor high value areas to check for theft or damage. Although it would be scary to think that this could turn into Black Mirror’s Metalhead episode, the benefits for businesses are significant.

结合Spot的检查能力和绕过障碍物的机动能力，使其非常有能力用作安全系统。 这对于难以使用相机覆盖整个空间的大型物业尤其有效。 农场可以使用该系统监视其周边并确定边界是否被突破。 企业可以监视高价值区域，以检查是否被盗或损坏。 尽管很难想象这会演变成《黑镜》的《金属头》，但对企业而言却是巨大的收益。

Much how work dogs are used for herding sheep and other cattle, Spot could be modified to serve the same purpose. It would provide additional reliability, and can perform other functions when it is not herding. Although the cost for herding alone may not provide a favorable return on investment, the other functions would help make it more favorable.

Spot可以修改工作犬用于放牧绵羊和其他牲畜的方式，以达到相同的目的。 它可以提供额外的可靠性，并且在不放牧时可以执行其他功能。 尽管仅放牧成本可能无法提供有利的投资回报，但其他功能将有助于使其更有利。

最后的想法 (Final Thoughts)

Although there is no guarantee that Spot will be the one to provide the solutions highlighted at scale, it is clear that this project has been the most successful application of robotics combined with artificial intelligence. It has inspired people around the world to start their own companies, and has shown us the possibilities of smart robots are endless.

尽管不能保证Spot会提供大规模突出显示的解决方案，但是很明显，该项目是结合了人工智能的机器人技术最成功的应用。 它启发了世界各地的人们创办自己的公司，并向我们展示了智能机器人的无限可能。

Boston Dynamics is currently working on other projects that would provide solutions for individuals with smaller budgets. They are also dedicated to more complex products that will offer solutions for military applications. One of the most impressive ones is currently the Atlas project. Their acceptance around the world is apparent as companies have even used these to serve as entertainment during a baseball game in Asia.

波士顿动力公司目前正在开展其他项目，这些项目将为预算较小的个人提供解决方案。 他们还致力于为军事应用提供解决方案的更复杂的产品。 目前最令人印象深刻的项目之一是Atlas项目 。 随着公司甚至在亚洲的棒球赛中将这些娱乐节目用作娱乐活动，它们在世界各地的认可显而易见。

Concurrently, their competition focused on catching up and providing their own solutions to the market. Companies like Honda, Samsung, and others have some promising leads. It is not clear that Spot and Boston Dynamics will be a dominant force in smart robots 10 years from now, but it is clear that they have paved the road for development and innovation. Their ability to bring such an advanced piece of technology to market for anyone to purchase is unmatched. Combine this with the ease of use for Spot, and we are indeed seeing a disruption like never before.

同时，他们的竞争重点是追赶并为市场提供自己的解决方案。 本田，三星等公司都有一些有前途的线索。 尚不清楚十年后Spot和Boston Dynamics是否会成为智能机器人的主导力量，但很显然，它们已经为发展和创新铺平了道路。 他们将如此先进的技术推向市场以供任何人购买的能力是无与伦比的。 将其与Spot的易用性相结合，我们确实看到了前所未有的破坏。