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alex-panda edited this page Sep 6, 2024 · 21 revisions

Getting Started with the Spot

This Wiki covers how to get started operating the Spot with the wireless tablet interface, and how to become an authorized user to be allowed to do so on your own. This wiki will direct you to official Spot documentation, which applies to any Spot robot, and to policies which are specific to operating our Spot in the lab. You are expected to be familiar with both before operating the Spot.

Becoming an Authorized Operator

As an Authorized Operator, you will be responsible for knowledge pertaining to the robot, and for ensuring the safety of yourself, bystanders, office space, and the robot itself. Spot operation is to be taken seriously as Spot has the potential to cause harm to people or objects. You must NOT operate Spot unless you have completed the necessary training.

Becoming an Authorized Operator involves 4 steps:

  1. Read Authorized Operator Training page and resources linked therein.
  2. Read Lab Policy for Operating Spot.
  3. Practice operating the Spot in the presence of an Authorized Operator.
  4. Complete the assessment with an Authorized Operator present.
  5. Have an Authorized Operator sign off that you have completed the training and add your name to the list of Authorized Operators.

Controlling Spot

Via Tablet

The easiest way to control Spot is by using the tablet that comes with it. Directions on how to use the tablet can be found at https://support.bostondynamics.com/s/article/Spot-controller and there are further readings about the subject on the Authorized Operator Training page of this wiki.

Via SDK

Spot can alternatively be controlled programmatically via the Spot SDK provided by Boston Dynamics. The SDK is written in Python and communicates with Spot via Google Protobuffers Protobuffers.

Unfortunately, the SDK itself does not have a great deal of online method and type documentation but several official examples of using the SDK can be found at https://dev.bostondynamics.com/python/examples/readme.

A few additional examples of using the SDK to move Spot around can be found at https://github.com/uwgraphics/SpotSweepingDemosAlex24.

Spot Specs & Fun Facts

Spec Value
Weight w/Battery+Arm 89.7 lbs
Weight w/ Battery 72.1 lbs
Max Speed 1.6 m/s (5.25 ft/s)
Weather Protection IP54
Slopes +/- 30 degrees
Typical Runtime 90 Minutes
Number of Depth Sensors 5 (2 front, 2 sides, and back)
Depth Sensor Range 2 m / 6.5 ft
Lift capacity at 0.5 m extension 11 lbs
Drag capacity (on carpet) 55 lbs
Payload Limit 14kg (30 Ibs)

Sources

Fun Facts

  • The Arm can avoid colliding with itself, the robot's body, and any properly configured payloads attached to the body!
  • Spot's Depth cameras are custom Intel Realsense sensors!

Sources: