Engineer's best friend: How a dog-like robot is helping Ford retool plants

Ford has said that the robots' scans cost a fraction of the $300,000 needed for engineers to walk over millions of square feet in a factory to set up
...
Boston Dynamics' dog-like robot Fluffy uses lasers to scan the Ford Van Dyke Transmission Plant to help engineers come up with a computer-aided design plan to retool the plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, US (VIA REUTERS)
Boston Dynamics' dog-like robot Fluffy uses lasers to scan the Ford Van Dyke Transmission Plant to help engineers come up with a computer-aided design plan to retool the plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, US

It runs, walks, and prances, rhythmically tapping its four feet before it sinks down on its haunches and crouches.

Despite its name, Fluffy has no fur. But the bright yellow robot, leased by Ford Motor Co from Boston Dynamics Inc, can fetch pictures and videos of a car factory with its five 'eyes' to help engineers design upgrades for workspaces.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Ford Mustang Mach E (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 70 Lakhs
View Details
Kia Ev6 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon77.4 kWh Range Icon708 km
₹ 59.95 - 64.95 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Lexus Nx (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2494.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 64.90 - 71.60 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Mercedes-benz Eqa (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon66.5 kWh Range Icon426 Km
₹ 60 Lakhs
View Details
Bmw Ix1 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon66.4 KWh Range Icon440 Km
₹ 66.90 Lakhs
Compare
Volvo C40 Recharge (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon 78 kWh Range Icon 530 Km
₹ 61.25 Lakhs
Compare

With an accurate camera scan, "we can build those pieces within the workstation, and we can see if there's any interference or if everything new is going to fit," said Mark Goderis, Ford's advanced manufacturing center digital engineering manager.

Fluffy, controlled by an engineer with a handheld device, can travel up to 3 miles per hour (4.8 kph) for about two hours on its battery.


Also Read : Ford and Mobileye tie up to offer better camera-based anti-collision system

Fluffy can also ride 'Scouter,' a small round robot, through a factory to save power, while the two companions gather data. Wherever Scouter cannot glide into, Fluffy can fill in the gaps.

The automaker is testing the robots at its Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Michigan. The robots' scans cost a fraction of the $300,000 needed for engineers to walk over millions of square feet in a factory to set up cameras on a tripod, Ford said in a statement.

But the new engineers are just helpers, Goderis said.

"Our goal isn't to displace any of the workforce," he said, but "automating our processes and making the engineers and people that work for our company more efficient and effective in building quality products."

Boston does not provide lease terms but Fluffy's robot model, named 'Spot,' can be purchased for $74,500.

First Published Date: 28 Jul 2020, 10:32 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.