A recent construction project on Long Island has introduced a $100,000 robotic dog, known as Spot, designed to enhance safety and efficiency for workers constructing a new wing at South Shore Hospital in Bayshore.
Adam Filer from Suffolk Construction remarked, “I think it really boosts morale.” He noted how this advanced Boston Dynamics robot gets people excited to come to work, as many may not have encountered such technology up close before.
While the new six-story building will include approximately 100 patient rooms, Spot’s primary mission revolves around supporting the crew and monitoring the structure, Filer explained. He also mentioned that the robots are used on other jobs as well.
These robotic dogs conduct property walkthroughs, tasks usually assigned to project managers, generating “Google Street”-style maps for reference once the job is done. “The benefit is increased accuracy and continuous improvements throughout the project,” Filer added, noting that Spot can save about an hour of labor each day at various Northwell Health sites.
Dog Day
With a yellow and black exterior, these robots operate for roughly 90 minutes on a lithium-ion battery, maneuvering around obstacles and busy workers with ease.
Filer noted the robot’s smart features, saying, “You can say, ‘Hey, there’s something there,’ and it will stop, wait for it to pass, then continue or find another route.” The device also ascends and descends stairs without difficulty.
Furthermore, Spot’s camera technology can spot safety code violations, such as workers not wearing helmets, prompting a follow-up discussion with those involved.
Vinod Nair, a vice president at the hospital, expressed enthusiasm about this innovative technology. “It’s fantastic to see a company thinking creatively and incorporating new tools,” he said. “It’s about embracing advanced and sophisticated technology in the field.”
According to Filer, Spot is robust and built to endure various conditions. “Boston Dynamics did a remarkable job designing this robot, and it can handle a bit of rough treatment,” he mentioned.
Man’s Best Friend
Spot and similar robots will also be showcased at local schools to highlight their role in technology and workforce development. Filer argues that robots like Spot won’t replace jobs; rather, they can facilitate tasks for employees.
Reflecting on the perspectives of long-time industry workers, he shared, “Those with decades of experience often say that any technology that supports their work can extend their careers.” Surprisingly, at the Bayshore site, many workers seem more intrigued than intimidated, often stopping to interact with Spot during its walkthrough on Tuesday.
Filer quipped, “We usually have to run it at night when no one is around.”
