For centuries, grave robbers have searched for valuable objects in the ancient ruined port city of Pompeii. A robotic dog is now inspecting the tunnels they dug.
Boston Dynamics’ robot Spot is tested as an investigative dog in the ancient ruins of Pompeii, as the operators of the Archaeological Park Pompeii write. The aim of the mission is to get an overview of the above-ground and underground areas of the area.
Robot dog Spot can reach places that are difficult for humans to reach. In the past centuries, grave robbers had repeatedly entered the site to find valuable objects from antiquity. The grave robbers dug tunnels that archaeologists said were too dangerous to enter.
Too dangerous for scientists
“The security conditions in the tunnels dug by grave robbers are often extremely precarious,” says a statement from the archaeological park. The use of a robot could make it possible to progress faster and more safely,” says the park’s director, Gabriel Breeding Bar.
Spot can enter these areas and collect data there that could provide information about the condition of the system. For example, he could use a camera to take pictures of the sites, which would be useful for investigating and planning remedial measures.
The tests with Spot are part of a technical project of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The goal: to test technical solutions for archaeological work. To this end, the park also works with companies that specialize in robotics and process automation, such as Boston Dynamics, which belongs to Hyundai.
Spot is controlled with a controller
Spot is advertised on the manufacturer’s website as a helper in dangerous operations, but also as an entertainer. It should be able to climb stairs, cross impassable terrain and be used in the home.
The dog-like helper is remote-controlled with the supplied tablet controller. In terms of size, it resembles a medium-sized dog, such as an adult husky.
In 2021, Hyundai acquired 80 percent of the shares in spot manufacturer Boston Dynamics. The previous owner, the Japanese technology group SoftBank, had retained the remaining 20 percent through a subsidiary.