Spot Authorized Operator Training

Required Learning Materials

There are several things you must know:

1. How to operate the spot safely (minimizing the risks to people around)
2. How to keep the spot in good working condition (mainly the battery)
3. The lab policies in place to help us ensure #1 and #2

It is important to be familiar with as much of the operating procedures as possible before using the robot. You don't want to be searching for instructions every time something goes wrong.

INTRODUCTION TO SPOT - Boston Dynamics Overview

1. High level overview of Spot. This is only general information, and is an introduction to the topics you will learn more about below. About the Spot Robot

SAFETY - Boston Dynamics Spot Information and Web Articles

The main document is the Boston Dynamics Spot Information and Use. It's 92 pages, and doesn't cover the arm. Not everything is important, but it is worth looking through everything to get a sense of what's there so that you can find it if you need it. The REQUIRED readings are the following:

1. Key Terminology, Legend, and Schematic -- Section 1.3 of Spot Information and Use
2. Spot Safety Instructions

• PART 1: Spot Intro Safety and Handling
• PART 2: Spot Status Lights -- Section 5.1.2 of Spot Information and Use
• PART 3: Unboxing Spot Arm

3. Spot Arm Terminology -- Section 6.1 of Spot Arm Information and Use
4. Risk Assessments

• Spot Risk Assessment Overview -- Section 2.9.1 of Spot Information and Use
• Spot Arm Safety and Risk Assessment -- Section 2.4 of Spot Arm Information and Use

5. Spot Arm Safety Features -- Section 3 of Spot Arm Information and Use

6. Restrictions on the Environments -- Section 2.8 of Spot Information and Use

7. Obstacle Avoidance -- Section 2.7 of Spot Information and Use

8. Battery Setup, Charging, and Dangers

• PART 1 Battery Setup, Charging, and Dangers -- Section 4.3 of Spot Information and Use
• PART 2 (until "troubleshooting and maintenance") Spot Battery and charging system

10. Stopping Spot -- Section 5.4 of Spot Information and Use
11. Safety of Navigating Stairs -- Section 5.9 of Spot Information and Use
12. Recovering from a Fall -- section 5.10 of Spot Information and Use
13. Recommended safety practices during Spot operation -- Section 5.12 of Spot Information and Use

OPERATION

REQUIRED READINGS:

1. Spot Controller
2. Spot Startup and Shutdown Procedures
3. Spot Operational Basics
4. Stopping Spot (linked under "Safety" section as well) -- Section 5.4 of Spot Information and Use
5. Changing Spot's Mode of Operation -- Section 5.5 of Spot Information and Use
6. Driving with Remote Control -- Section 5.7.1 of Spot Information and Use
7. Navigating Stairs (linked under "Safety" section as well) -- Section 5.9 of Spot Information and Use
8. Basic Arm Operation
9. Read the section in the Wiki on "Lessons Learned" to give you a head start on tacit knowledge acquired by lab members.

OPTIONAL READINGS:

1. Detailed Arm Operation
2. If you will be attaching payloads or accessories to Spot, you MUST read Section 4.2 of Spot Information and Use
3. Preventative Maintenance For Spot
4. Spot Network Setup
5. Getting Started With Autowalk

Some Key Points

1. Understand the safety issues with the robot so you can keep bystanders safe. Once you understand the robot, it is mainly common sense. No one should be close to the robot unless they are paying attention (since it can move suddenly), and they should be aware of the pinch points.
2. Understand the issues around battery maintenance. The paragraph "Always remove the battery when Spot is not in use unless Spot is connected to shore power or sitting on a powered Spot Dock. Batteries left in Spot while not in use will continue to discharge, even when Spot is powered off. Batteries left in an unpowered Spot for more than 24 hours may be damaged beyond repair." is repeated over and over.
3. Understand the startup and shutdown procedures - including how to put the Spot into the case with the arm.
4. Understand the different ways to stop the robot. You will need to do the right thing at the right time.
5. You should understand how to tele-operate the robot with the controller, even if you are just programming it.

Familiarization:

Review the following links from Boston Dynamics:

Introduction to the Spot Battery and Charger (until the Troubleshooting and Maintenance section)

Operational Basics

Review the following lab-specific procedures:

OI 2 - Startup Procedures

OI 3 - Shutdown Procedures

OI 4.1 - Lifting Spot

OI 4.4 - Unboxing Spot with Arm

OI 4.5 - Boxing Spot with Arm

OI 8 - Lessons Learned This OI will be continuously updated as we gain more operational experience with the robot.