Quadruped robot dog is a very versatile mobile platform for various research topics in engineering and social science, due to its great mobility across tough terrains, and easy social acceptance. By installing various sensors, such as lidar, depth and stereo cameras, GPS, ultrasonic sensors, researchers can perform multi-disciplinary explorations, such as navigation, robot-dog companion, patrolling and inspection, and human-machine interactions. Nanyang Technological University has adopted the robots for various research topics. NTU School of Art, Design and Media (SADM), School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), and School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE) use quadruped robot dogs for various cutting edge research topics.

Video: Researchers Perform Indoor SLAM using the Robot Dog A1

The robot dog A1 and robot dog GO 1 are cost effective with its base models priced less than USD10K. The robots can carry 5KG payload, making it an ideal platform for many vision/lidar based applications. The robot dog weights around 10KG, making it easily relocated to test at different terrains. By including 2D/3D lidars, researcher can achieve high degree of autonomy for proof of concept. Using the built-in cameras and Jetson NX/TX2 computers inside, users can develop many edge-AI applications such as people detection, or construction-site inspection.

Video: Robot Dog used for Building and Construction Inspection.

The robot dog A1 and robot dog GO 1 have great mobility, e.g., it can climb stairs with 12cm height, and recover from common falling down positions. The removable battery also makes it great for continuous test and deployment by having an extra set of battery. With the new robot GO 1 (to replace A1), a built-in SIM card and GPS making the robot deployment at remote site a possible task. However, it is worthwhile to point out that the current robot dogs are not waterproof. They are mainly for proof-of-concept research. If waterproof and larger payload are requirement, our to-be-release robot dog B1 with 40KG payload and IP66 protection is an appropriate platform.

Video: Robot Dog Climbing Stairs at Weston Robot's Office.

Besides NTU, National University of Singapore (NUS), and ASTAR are some other research institutes who also purchased the robot dogs from Weston Robot for their teaching and research.