Boston Dynamics’ SpotMini robot now knows how to open doors

Boston Dynamics has released a new video up of its SpotMini robot. As the name suggests, it's a smaller version of its Spot robot. SoptMini is a "nimble robot that handles objects, climbs stairs, and will operate in offices, homes and outdoors."

Like its older brother Spot, SpotMini is shaped as a four-legged animal in yellow with a small mouth on top which also houses its trunk-like arm. In the 45-second YouTube video posted by Boston Dynamics, SpotMini is shown in motion doing something really cool and creepy. You can see SpotMini advance towards a door but realises that it's actually closed.

Another SpotMini emerges from the side and comes forward to help his buddy out. This SpotMini uses its arm which is placed on the neck of the robot. With the mouth of the arm, SpotMini cleverly hooks on to the door handle and opens it. SpotMini even manages to pull the door wide open so that the other robot can walk through comfortably and follows behind.

This new development in SpotMini is quite interesting and exciting. SpotMini was introduced three months back by Boston Dynamics. This is the second time SpotMini has been showcased online. In terms of specifications, SpotMini measures 0.84m in height and weighs 25 kg and an additional 5 kg if its arm is included. It is battery operated which offers up to 90 minutes of power on a single charge. But this depends on what kind of activities SpotMini is up to.

SpotMini is electrically actuated, has a 3D vision system, and 17 joints altogether. Speaking about its abilities, SpotMini can pick up objects with the help of its 5 degree-of-freedom arm and perception sensors. SpotMini is built with sensors which include stereo and depth cameras, an IMU, and force sensors in its limbs. SpotMini is also the quietest robot in Boston Dynamics' product lineup.