Robot dogs are being put to use in the workplace for tasks including security, public safety and inspections. The market for four-legged robots is becoming more competitive. Scientists are trying to improve vision, movement and navigational skills by employing neural networks, a type of AI framework in which algorithms used for machine learning are arranged resembling neurons in the brain of humans. One thing, though, that we did not anticipate them performing so soon was dancing. The Boston Dynamics crew developed a robot canine named Sparkles for International Dance Day. Styled like a dazzling blue muppet, Sparkles flaunted some rather impressive skills.
“Spot is meeting another strange dog and making friends through the power of dance. Meet Sparkles!" wrote the robotics company in the caption accompanying the video, which accumulated over 1 million views.
They further said that Sparkles is a special costume made for Spot to explore how robots, art and entertainment are connected.
The dogs appear to exchange a kiss before bursting into dancing. While Spot is easily identifiable and well-known, Sparkles piqued viewers’ interest. For the unversed, Spot is Boston Dynamics’ trademark four-legged robot dog.
Watch the video here:
Users in the comments section, however, weren’t very impressed.
A user wrote, “Everybody wants to pet the dog until its neck extends 4 feet."
Another said, “The fact that this thing could extend its neck several feet and open doors is a terrifying thought."
Meanwhile, someone in the comment section explained, “As if it weren’t frightening enough to imagine a post-apocalyptic world where a robot dog, equipped with a chainsaw, hunts you down as you huddle for warmth under the floorboards of your shack. Now instead of cold plastic and steel, you’re greeted with the face of sparkles brandishing the same chainsaw. My god."
According to Metro.uk, Boston Dynamics’ dance-specific system Choreographer was used for training the dogs. The technology was designed with the entertainment and media industries in mind.
The entertaining routine showcases the intricate algorithms designed to maximise the machine’s overall accuracy, balance and manoeuvrability.
The new video was released not long after Boston Dynamics retired its Atlas robot and unveiled its replacement, Atlas 2.0.
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