Boston Dynamics, a robotics company, has recently shared a video showcasing its dog-like robot, Spot, wearing a custom costume and dancing to mark International Dance Day. The video features “Sparkles,” as the robot is called, performing a series of impressive dance moves alongside a Spot robot without a costume. The company designed the costume specifically for Spot to explore the intersection of robotics, art, and entertainment.
The dance routine was created using Boston Dynamics’ specially designed Choreographer software, which allows creators to author and control movement through Spot’s application programming interface (API). The software was designed to bridge the gap between the creative process of a traditional choreographer and the technical process of programming a robot.
What’s impressive about Sparkles is its ability to adapt to external challenges and physical limitations. If a creator requests a movement that’s outside Spot’s capabilities, the robot will automatically come up with a movement that’s most similar to what was requested. This versatility allows Spot to be deployed as a dancer for entertainment purposes, and it can even be programmed to talk, making it a potential stand-up comedian.
However, Spot’s capabilities go beyond entertainment. The robot has been deployed in various industries since 2020, when Boston Dynamics started offering it to customers for $74,500. Spot has been used for tasks such as mapping, monitoring, and security, and it’s also ideal for search and rescue missions or assessing the safety of a potentially hazardous location.
Boston Dynamics’ Spot Celebrates International Dance Day
In recent news, Spot made headlines when it was used in an operation by the Massachusetts State Police to apprehend a suspect. Unfortunately, the robot was not dressed as Sparkles during the operation. Despite this, Spot’s capabilities have made it a valuable addition to many industries.
Boston Dynamics’ Choreographer software has also been used to help Spot dance like Korean pop giants BTS and The Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger. The software has the ability to create complex movements, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Sparkles, the robot dog, is an impressive display of technology and creativity. Boston Dynamics’ Choreographer software has allowed the company to push the boundaries of robotics and entertainment, and Sparkles is just the beginning. The future of robotics holds much promise, and it will be exciting to see what new applications and innovations Boston Dynamics and other companies come up with in the future.
