Spot by Boston Dynamics is going viral thanks to recent footage of it patrolling Mar-a-Lago.
The Secret Service acquired the quadruped robot by as an added security measure for Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, where President-elect Donald Trump is preparing his return to the White House.
A Secret Security spokesperson told the New York Post, “While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations.”
With a prominent “Do Not Pet” sign displayed on its side, Spot isn’t meant to be approached casually; it’s built specifically for high-level security tasks.
NEW: Donald Trump has reportedly beefed up his security detail at Mar-a-Lago and now has a robotic dog patrolling the property.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
A large warning sign on the side of the robotic dog reads: " Do Not Pet"
The robot dog was made by Boston Dynamics and is equipped with… pic.twitter.com/qLktzbf3m3
Spot is equipped with five cameras that provide 360-degree visibility, enabling it to monitor every angle and capture high-quality images essential for real-time inspection and surveillance.
For added effectiveness, it also has thermal cameras that detect heat signatures, making it highly useful in low-visibility conditions, like nighttime or fog. This feature allows Spot to detect intruders who might otherwise go unnoticed, helping the Secret Service maintain security at all hours.
Spot is highly versatile, with both autonomous and remote-controlled modes.
In autonomous mode, it navigates complex environments independently, using advanced sensors to avoid obstacles and rough terrain. For tasks requiring close human control, the remote mode gives operators direct command, making Spot adaptable to different scenarios and security needs.
Adding to its utility, Spot has a payload capacity of up to 13.6 kg, or 30 lbs, allowing it to carry additional equipment such as communication tools or specialized sensors to enhance its capabilities further.
DARPA helped fund Boston Dynamics’ early research on similar robots, which led to Spot’s design and abilities. The leading robotics firm created the first version of the four-legged robot that could walk on rough ground and avoid obstacles in 2015. The following year, Boston Dynamics introduced a smaller variant, called SpotMini, that was lighter, quieter, and had an arm for picking things up.
After years of testing, Spot became available to the public in 2019 for applications like inspections and monitoring.
Boston Dynamics recently released footage of Spot conducting automated inspections at Michelin Tire’s US5 plant in South Carolina.
Spot is programmed to patrol and inspect equipment, detecting potential issues to prevent production delays. It completes seven missions, scanning around 700 assets in the plant. Spot uses Orbit, a data system, to track and analyze inspection results, letting the team set alerts for issues like overheating.
Spot has already helped issue 72 work orders, finding problems such as missing motor fans and air leaks. By handling routine inspections, Spot frees up technicians to plan repairs more effectively.
Boston Dynamics recently updated Spot, integrating Fluke’s SV600 Acoustic Imager to detect acoustic vibrations in machinery. Spot now inspects motors, pumps, and conveyors by identifying ultrasonic frequencies that signal wear or potential issues.
Four-legged robots like Spot are growing in popularity for security and surveillance and for tasks in dangerous settings like nuclear power plants.