Boston Dynamics has taken their robotic quadruped Spot to the next level with the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. This has enabled the machine to become not only mechanically advanced but also now equipped with more intelligent functions. Spot’s security patrol capabilities are enhanced with access to the ChatGPT, which engenders verbal interaction with people through a Google Text-to-Speech modulator.
The integration was the handiwork of Santiago Valdarrama, an engineer and machine learning specialist who showcased the results on Twitter. Now this technological octopus can answer questions relating to its patrolling tasks, its mechanical and battery status, and other related topics.
The integration of ChatGPT was a deliberate move from Boston Dynamics, who frequently use their robots for larger areas of surveillance. This technology helps to assess data instantly without manual intervention for abnormalities or trends. It also makes it easier for humans to query their robotic canine for real-time results, since the robot can now do the legwork for them.
Santiago Valdarrama spoke about the implementation, saying, “(We) can now ask the robots about past and future missions and get an answer in real-time. ChatGPT interprets the question, parses the files, and formulates the answer.” Though this is still experimental and integration of ChatGPT technology isn’t widespread yet, Boston Dynamics is bound to cash in on its potential.
Boston Dynamics is an American company, established in 1992 and renowned for their robots. Early on in their design process, they focused more on robots with animal-like properties. Their most popular item is the four-legged SpotMini, which has the capability to operate autonomously. Santiago Valdarrama has been a Machine Learning Specialist and Software engineer since 2017 and has been at the forefront of the innovation in robotic technology.
