Boston Dynamics has developed robotic dogs called Spot, which possess an extraordinary ability—they can speak fluently using complete sentences. This impressive feat is made possible through a collaboration between AI-software company Levatas and Boston Dynamics, wherein OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been integrated into Spot. By leveraging Google Assistant’s voice technology, these robo-pups can now understand and respond to humans during face-to-face interactions.
Levatas, led by its founder and CEO Chris Nielsen, has successfully integrated ChatGPT into Spot, granting customers the freedom to ask a wide range of questions. In industries like manufacturing and logistics, Spot was originally designed to carry out predefined tasks such as identifying spills, detecting equipment damage, and performing inspections in factories. These tasks generate copious amounts of data, typically handled by technical personnel, as Nielsen explained to Fast Company.
The latest feature incorporating ChatGPT, which is yet to be released commercially, enables Spot to communicate this data to individuals without extensive technical expertise. When faced with questions about its tasks, Spot utilizes its data analysis capabilities to interpret and formulate comprehensive answers, effectively bridging the gap between technical and non-technical personnel, Nielsen elaborated.
A remarkable demonstration showcased the robot dogs’ ability to respond clearly to verbal inquiries. When asked about the number of inspections in its upcoming mission, Spot confidently replied, “My next mission involves 20 inspections.”
The integration of ChatGPT into Spot represents a significant milestone in human-robot interaction. Although the commercial release of this feature is forthcoming, its potential impact is noteworthy. By enabling Spot to comprehend and articulate complete sentences, this development could revolutionize various industries. Streamlined communication, enhanced productivity, and improved accessibility to complex data are among the benefits that these robotic dogs offer to a broader audience.
The collaboration between AI-software companies and robotics pioneers exemplifies the ongoing advancement in integrating artificial intelligence into physical systems. As these technologies evolve, the lines between humans and machines continue to blur, opening up exciting possibilities for automation and intelligent robotics in the future.