See Spot trot: Hyundai Motor wows crowd with robotic dog

This is Spot, the four-legged robot developed by Boston Dynamics Inc. – the US robotics company acquired by Hyundai Motor Co. earlier this month.

Spot, equipped with cutting-edge cognitive and control technology, can walk up stairs freely and dodge obstacles using the eight cameras attached to its body. If it falls, it uses its legs to stand up. At times, it will sit or make playful movements.

The South Korean automaker unveiled Spot at the Hyundai Motor Studio on Dec. 17, surprising the audience with the robot's superior movements. It is the first time for Hyundai Motor to publicly display Spot since signing a definitive agreement to acquire an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics.

Spot is valued at around 100 million won ($910,000) per unit. 

Selling robots is not allowed under current regulations in Korea, so they can only be brought in for research purposes, unlike in other countries where robots can be purchased online. Spot is currently on a long-term lease with Yonsei University’s Department of Civil Engineering.

Spot's prized feature is the ability to attach modules to it. It can turn into a logistics robot if it puts on robotic arms, or be used for emergency rescue services if a stretcher is placed atop it. Its versatility gives it a competitive edge.

Hyundai Motor plans to use Spot for its autonomous driving vehicle operations. A high-definition (HD) map is crucial to enhance the completion level for unmanned vehicles.

Previously, radio-controlled cars attached with cameras were deployed in areas that were difficult for people or automobiles to enter, but there were limitations as RC cars often tumbled when hitting road bumps and failed to avoid obstacles.

Spot, on the other hand, can keep a steady form via real-time detection of external variables, including obstacles, steep slopes and stairs. It does not require external intervention and can respond to its surroundings.

Hyundai Motor plans to dispatch Spot, equipped with a 3D scanner, into such areas to create an elaborate and detailed HD Map. 

"Boston Dynamics chose Hyundai Motor from a pool of potential buyers because our mass production capacity as a manufacturer combined with their technology was a good fit," said a Hyundai Motor PR official.

Hyundai Motor plans to adopt robotics technology into its future business drivers including urban air mobility, smart factories and more, according to the Hyundai Motor official.

In addition to Spot, Boston Dynamics also invented a humanoid robot Atlas, which can also do challenging movements such as handstands and somersaults, offering a wider range of control and flexibility than Spot.


Write to Sun A Lee at suna@hankyung.com
Danbee Lee edited this article.