A Ford factory in Michigan has been eliminated. In this case, quadruped robots, they are expected to bring a new era of computer-aided design and economic efficiency to automakers.

The two dogs (Fluffy and Spot) are made by Boston Dynamics, which specializes in complex robot structures.

Their task will be to traverse the Van Dijk transmission plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and scan the layout to help engineers create more effective layouts for regular upgrades and retrofit projects.

Each dog is equipped with five cameras capable of scanning 360 degrees. They can trot at speeds of up to 3 mph and can navigate stairs at a 30-degree angle. The battery time is slightly limited, less than two hours. However, the more powerful companion robot Scouter can act as a full-time driver for the digital dog to extend working hours throughout the factory. The Scouter is large and bulky and cannot access many areas that Fluffy and Spot can cover, so it can save battery power.

Based on the early operating conditions, these two new pets are likely to win greetings. "Good dog!" Ford Digital Engineering Manager Mark Goderis (Mark Goderis) explained how these dogs can improve the tedious and expensive scanning tasks in the past.

Goderis said: "We used to use a tripod. We would stop and walk around in different places in the facility, stand for about five minutes each time, and wait for the laser to scan." "Scanning a plant may take two weeks. With the help of Fluffy, we The scan can be completed in half the time."

Goderis said that over the years, many changes and modifications have been made to the manufacturing plant, many of which are not documented.

"By having the robot scan our facility, we can see the actual situation now and build a new engineering model. Then, when we need to reassemble the factory for a new product, we can use the digital model."

The cost of the scanning project is generally around US$300,000. Fluffy and Spot (Spot is the official name of the robot production line) is expected to help significantly reduce this number.

The robot can operate at a distance of 164 feet. Eventually, a remote application that allows control from anywhere in the world will be developed.

Computerized dogs are indeed a rare breed. Each is expensive, and Ford is currently leasing the pair. Boston Dynamics has sent Spot's brothers to other parts of the world.

Norwegian oil exploration and development company Aker BP ASA plans to use Spot’s stereo scanning capabilities, obstacle avoidance systems and airborne sensors to track natural gas leaks and transmit weather conditions from the sea. These operations can be performed in places where workers cannot reach, or tasks that are too dangerous for humans.

On a farm in New Zealand, these robots are used to monitor the growth of crops and sheep.

At Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, a robotic dog has been modified for the iPad so that doctors can remotely check and communicate with COVID-19 patients.

"In the beginning, we were just talking to them, instead of looking for medical staff there. Now, we are doing important measurements such as breathing rate and body temperature," Boston Dynamics founder Marc Raibert said in an interview with CNBC. "We are studying oxygenation and heart rate, all of which can be done without contact, even with robots."

In Singapore, robots are used to monitor social distancing behavior in parks. This saves human workers from the danger of infected individuals and citizens who despise local regulations. Dogs can broadcast messages and warnings to individuals reminding them to take appropriate precautions.

Unlike field controllers trained by the police, the robot dog is not programmed to respond to or bite thieves.