Boston Dynamics' Spot robot is continuing to find uses around the world. U.K.-based Createc, which provides systems to the civil nuclear, defense, rail, marine, and security markets, last week announced that it will serve as technical integrator and commercial reseller for Boston Dynamics.
“We are very positive about the future for robotics for nuclear decommissioning and collaborating with a company like Boston Dynamics is in line with that vision,” stated Matt Mellor, CEO of Createc. “The opportunity for robots like Spot to do more and to take more people out of hazardous environments is a very good thing for society. Over time, we are going to have a lot more robots, and we will have improved collaboration between human and machine.”
Founded more than a decade ago, Createc said it has recognized for its innovation and problem-solving in computer imaging as well as robotics. The company's technology has been deployed around the world to provide accurate and readily available information. Createc has offices in Cockermouth and Oxford, and it has received two Queen’s Awards for Innovation and International Trade.
Waltham, Mass.-based Boston Dynamics spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1992 and was recently acquired by Hyundai Motor Group and valued at $1.1 billion.
Createc learned about mobile, legged robots
Createc employs nearly 30 technical experts in fields such as computer vision, robotics, nuclear measurement, and optics. The company said it can efficiently build prototype systems and develop them into full products. It noted that its N-Visage technology was used in the cleanup following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan.
“My motivation comes from bringing something completely new to life which results in the world being a better place,” Mellor said. “We look at the way we can do something, not where we can do it. Seeing all the pieces come together and creating this thing which creates an economic benefit and also has a positive impact on the world is really satisfying.”
The relationship between the companies came about after Createc learned about the capabilities of Boston Dynamics' legged robots while working on research and development projects.
“Legged robots are being increasingly adopted in a range of industrial settings for inspection and intervention,” said Mellor. “Industrial environments are built for people, so robots with legs and arms that mimic the capabilities of people are a great fit.”
“We have been using quadruped robotics in our work with Oxford University’s Robotics Institute for survey and inspections in hazardous environments and looking into ways of removing the need to put human operators into those situations,” he added. “As part of that work, we have seen what Spot is capable of.”
Createc looks to new applications for Spot
Createc has been working with Boston Dynamics’ Spot, a four-legged robot with advanced mobility and perception to navigate stairs, gravel, and rough terrain. The robot can collect 2D and 3D information with onboard sensors, automating some common data-collection and inspection tasks. Createc has been using Spot primarily in nuclear decommissioning applications so far, but it said it expects to expand to other industrial uses in the future.
Mellor said Createc's relationship with Boston Dynamics will help both companies identify and build new application capabilities and commercial opportunities.
“If you are trying to do things in industrial environments, then robots like Spot give you a big advantage, as they can move around obstacles on the floor or step over obstacles just like a human would and in a way which wheeled vehicles are not able to,” he said. “It recognizes terrain and is able to adjust its movements accordingly.”
“Boston Dynamics is developing new levels of autonomy, and we see advantages in collaborating to build new inspection tools and systems that enable tasks in hazardous environments to be carried out more safely, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively.”
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