Meet Spot, the $74,500 Robot Dog

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WALTHAM, United States - A new robot the size and shape of a medium-sized dog is now for sale to the general public. It goes by the name “Spot.” Boston Dynamics, the company behind Spot, explains that the robot is “designed to go where other robots can’t go and to perform a broad number of tasks. The robot can be reconfigured for various use cases to increase efficiency and greatly reduce safety risks in the workplace.” It can be controlled by a remote control or programmed to behave autonomously. As of June 16th, 2020, the advanced robot is on sale to the general public with a sticker price of $74,500.

Should you be scared that this robot is going to take your job? Probably not -- at least not yet. Spot is not a general-purpose artificially intelligent robot instead it behaves more as a foundational layer that requires configuration and monitoring. Its creators call it a “modular platform...intended to be easily-configurable…[with] accessories and add-ons available to customize its use.” However, Spot has already made successful appearances at the workplace according to some case-studies shared by Boston Dynamics.

One such appearance is on a construction site run by the firm Pomerleau. They are using Spot to photograph the construction site, and anticipate that the new robot will “...free-up the typically assigned employee’s time by approximately 20 [hours].” Spot is also being tested for agricultural work by the firm Robos. These farmers are testing if they can use Spot to herd sheep, so maybe canines should be more alarmed about losing their jobs than us humans are right now.

One surprising area where Spot is making headway is in entertainment. A video of the robot performing a choreographed routine to the song “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars [5] has nearly seven million views. Adam Savage, famous from his role on the television hit “MythBusters,” has featured Spot in multiple of his own videos. Savage has used the robot to pull himself in a custom-built Rickshaw carriage in one video, and in others explains the functionality of the machine. Savage’s content featuring the robot has netted him millions of views on his monetized videos.

Spot’s “autowalk” technology is what enables it to seemingly operate on its own, and is featured in one of Savage’s videos where he has the robot scaling stairs while following pre-recorded instructions. If the user programs a route that Spot should travel frequently, it can repeat the path while navigating obstacles. This means that you could place an object in the predefined path and Spot will be able to walk around it and complete its route without user-input. Reading this may make you alarmed if you work as a runner at a restaurant as it would be able to navigate the restaurant from table to table on its own. It may be early for concern however as Spot has no way of picking up, holding, or gently placing an object onto a table. This means that the restaurant would need to shell out tens of thousands of dollars more before even having a demo version.

What other roles will Spot take on you may be asking? IEEE.org suggests a litany of possible practical applications including “performing remote data collection and light manipulation in construction sites; monitoring sensors and infrastructure at oil and gas sites; and carrying out dangerous missions such as bomb disposal and hazmat inspections. There are also other promising areas such as security, package delivery, and even entertainment.” Until these suggestions are implemented and documented in case studies it is unclear how many of these ideas will come to fruition. If you would like to see the robot in action, Boston Dyanmic’s website contains detailed technical information and multiple videos showcasing its impressive abilities.

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Artificial Intelligence Advances the Battle Against COVID-19

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Many countries have put their best ideas and creations to the test prevention measure to halt the spread of COVID-19, specifically in the realm of technology. Artificial Intelligence and robots are leading the way in countries putting new tech to new tests. The company “PUDU” allowed China to do trial runs on robots, that could deliver food to patients and other citizens in Wuhan during the rigorous quarantine period earlier in 2020.

Source: Pixabay

Source: Pixabay

BlueOcean robotics also sent a hoard of "UVD Robots" there, which CEO Claus Risager said, "use advanced algorithms and specialized sensors to cover all surfaces with the right amount of (virus killing) light. With this data, users can see exactly which rooms have been cleared of bacteria and viruses." These robots can complete their jobs in as little as 10-15 minutes, including their ability to reach places some humans previously couldn't. These robots are more effective in the prevention of the Coronavirus spread. First, they reduce the risk of a person becoming exposed to the virus while disinfecting an area, and they have a higher success rate in successfully decontaminating every surface and crevice of these high-risk areas.

Hong Kong has even hired these similar types of robots to assist in keeping the Hong Kong Mass Transit Rail System. Vaporizing hydrogen peroxide robots are cleaning trains and specific areas where citizens could most likely become infected due to exposure to asymptomatic carriers, or contaminated metal and plastic surfaces on which the virus can survive for several hours if not days.

Network Communication programs are using technology like "Telegram" and "Facebook" to provide an open forum for ideas to flow from engineers and other professionals using their skills to help healthcare workers see assistance in loads of accessing ventilators and masks. In fact, low efficient technology has appeared to be highly volatile in allowing virtually any and everyone to help. Face masks that have been produced locally with the help of clothing designers. These masks are distributed with a simple "Do It Yourself" instructions on social media, and even groups have dedicated their clothing manufacturing skills to gather and mass-produce masks for local hospitals.

Engineering groups have also been able to take part in helping healthcare professionals by using 3-D printing to design respirators and ventilators. A group in Spain recently assembled an open-source respirator proto-type. An Irish open-source hardware project has also produced a prototype ventilator using three-dimensional primed materials and readily available inexpensive parts. Facebook's spin attraction propelled these projects in seven days to reach more than 300 engineers, medical professionals, and researchers.

Artificial Intelligence has proven to be very useful in detection and issuance. BlueDot, a Canadian startup, has produced Artificial Intelligence that analyzes governments and news reports, along with social media, to assist in tracking infectious at blazing speed. BlueDot had already shown its ability to process information and make appropriate claims, when on January 25th this year, it issued a warning beating the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. It takes into account every possible outcome, from air travel, populations in distinct areas, climate, mosquitos, demographics, and a countries inherent ability to respond, are all included in assisting the A.I. comprehend where it will spread along with its impact.

Jack Maas of Alibaba, is also developing artificial intelligence diagnostic systems that process C.T. scans with 96% accuracy. We also see that this machine can also ease the time of reading this information, dropping dramatically from fifteen minutes to twenty seconds.

COVID-19 has had no problem showing its tenacity, but so have countries across the globe like Hong Kong and Spain, for example, using both high and low efficient technologies from robots to masks. Medical professionals, engineers, and researchers are now working in a way that no longer has any boundaries, while still practicing "Social Distancing." Thanks to technology and global participation in fighting COVID-19, we can use these innovations for future developments in society and hopefully be better equipped to prevent another mass spread, as large as the one we are witnessing now with the Coronavirus.

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Africa's Technical Revolution

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There were many skeptics when Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter and small business resource Square, announced that he would be venturing to Africa in 2020.

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Africa has steadily grown through the years, finally becoming free of its misnomer as the “Dark Continent.” With more than 600 active technology hubs (up from 422 in 2018), we see organizations with the local address, facilities, and support for technical and digital entrepreneurs making Africa the next big market in technology for the coming decades, and possibly the century!

Africa’s fifty-four countries have a total population of 1.3 billion people, and according to McKinsey, by 2025, more than 100 cities in Africa will contain over a million people. Others predict that population growth will push those numbers to 4.3 billion within the next century. Africa also has the additional advantage of a youthful population, with an average age of just under twenty-years-old. Many of these individuals have studied abroad, and even those who have not had similar opportunities are incredibly tech-savvy because of Africa’s long reliance on block-chain and mobile banking solutions.

With such young potential and energy, there is a transition away from traditional rural economies to more technologically driven. This revolution is powered by the massive migration of young people from rural to more urban areas, which, according to reporting, surpasses even China and India in this trend. In 2019, six African countries were listed in the top ten fastest-growing economies globally. These included Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Ghana emerged in the top fifteen coming in spots 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15, respectively. These countries are no longer the exception; as a whole, Africa’s overall GDP projected to reach 2.6 trillion in 2020 and increase to 4.1 trillion in 2021.

These impressive stats are attracting the attention of some of the globe’s largest investors, many of whom are positioning their companies to benefit from this rapidly emerging market to achieve maximum growth. The continent is one of the last places where economic opportunity and growth potential are extraordinary because it is virgin territory.

China has taken full advantage of this opening, exponentially building upon its long-range investments in Africa’s infrastructure projects and other projects since the 1950s. Through the Sino-Africa bilateral trade agreements and treaties, China has established businesses and projects with Saharan and Sub-Saharan African nations, investing billions of dollars.

China and Africa’s modernization efforts yield a return on investment, as companies unwilling to risk expanding into territories without a well-established consumer base or reliable supply chain are now more confident in the opportunities presented by Africa’s thriving urban centers. With so much to offer, leaders of African nations no longer have to accept the lesser share of profits.

Leaders have become more adept at negotiating agreements in the best interest of their countries. Trade agreements that preserve the African nation’s ability to achieve equitable control of the profits through various methods, such as creating reserve sectors in which no foreign entity may participate, and most often with partnership arrangements requiring a percentage of citizen ownership in the company.

These types of arrangements facilitate knowledge transfer, which is necessary for the uplifting of the nation’s citizenry. The inequity of colonialism ensured that leaders of present-day African nation’s value not only natural resources but also human capital, for, without both, freedom is illusory.

The timely implementation of technology and digital service offering by African entrepreneurs or through government partnerships has enabled citizens to access essential services during a global pandemic. There have been challenges during the quarantines, social distancing, and other measures taken to mitigate the virus’ spread. Still, it has demonstrated the need for robust technology infrastructure and entrepreneurial thinking to meet the moment.

Companies that can provide fast, secure, and reliable wireless and WiFi services are the best position to ride the next wave toward immense growth and profitability. Multinationals such as “Facebook,” have partnered with companies such as “Airtell Uganda,” and “BSC” to leverage these opportunities. This trifecta is implementing a project to deliver mobile broadband to 3 million people in Northwest Uganda. And, South Africa has also launched initiatives to connect under served communities with WiFi and has negotiated for Amazon to establish a presence in Johannesburg.

Microsoft, which has operated in Africa since 1992, also continues to expand its footprint through cloud computing. As with Western nations, cloud computing will allow African governments to more efficiently scale their technology needs by enabling off-premises solutions to deliver services that otherwise would not advance because of antiquated systems. Technology partnerships are especially crucial during this era of the global pandemic when so many vital services can only be delivered through digital and virtual platforms to reduce the spread of the virus.

Now, African governments who chose to negotiate trade agreements with global governments, and entrepreneurs seeking partnerships with corporations interested in doing business in Africa, come to the table with a new power dynamic. One which will result in the creation of long-term capital investment, hard assets, and technology, all of which will create cyclical positive earnings. Urbanization of the citizenry, higher educational opportunities, sophisticated understanding, and use of technology is fueling an era of young African consumers. They will make up the backbone of the workforce, know how to live and work in the international arena, but their heart and interest remains anchored in Africa’s ascendancy.

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