SpotMini, A New All-Electric Robot by Boston Dynamics That Resembles a Small Brontosaurus

SpotMini is a new all-electric robot built by Boston Dynamics. The 65 lb robot features a single large arm that makes it resemble a small Brontosaurus. The robot’s end effector features an oversized pair of googly eyes making it look like an animal’s head.

SpotMini can maneuver through tight spaces and under things like tables. It can also use its arm to perform tasks such as placing dishes in a dishwasher or bringing its human operator a soda. Currently its biggest weakness appears to be banana peels.

SpotMini is a new smaller version of the Spot robot, weighing 55 lbs dripping wet (65 lbs if you include its arm.) SpotMini is all-electric (no hydraulics) and runs for about 90 minutes on a charge, depending on what it is doing. SpotMini is one of the quietest robots we have ever built. It has a variety of sensors, including depth cameras, a solid state gyro (IMU) and proprioception sensors in the limbs. These sensors help with navigation and mobile manipulation. SpotMini performs some tasks autonomously, but often uses a human for high-level guidance.