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JLR Gets A New Pet: A Robot Dog Made To Perform Checks At The Manufacturing Plant
Something quirky was seen at the Jaguar Land Rover production facility in Coventry. A robot-dog made by BostonDynamics (a company owned by Hyundai Motor Corporation), named Rover, was "hired" - not for manufacturing vehicles, but for plant inspection (mainly operational and wear & tear)!
Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldini, PhD of Automation and Robotics JLR, said, "Key to JLR's Reimagine strategy is a continual collaboration with the industry's brightest minds, developing advanced robotics solutions that work in harmony with our employees for the uncompromising benefit of our clients."
What Can Rover Do?
Being a robot dog, Rover comes into good use. The chances of human error are reduced while performing checks. Also, this allows engineers to capture Rover's data and results for further planning, such as maintenance repairs or taking the next step. Not only this, Rover can also sniff out gas leaks which can't quite be grasped by us and incorporates thermal sensors for better battery management!
Mr. Rinaldini talking about the JLR Robot Dog said, "Enabling our engineers to work safer and smarter, collaborations such as this one with Boston Dynamics are key. Not only are they essential in realizing our ambition to electrify our Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands by 2030, they also have an important role to play in ensuring that the final vehicles that roll off the line have only the very best EV battery technology within them."
Rover's Heart
So, what powers Rover? Well, the robot dog has a 50V battery that allows it to work 24/7 with breaks only to recharge itself. The team has put planned routes around the EV factory into Rover's brain to travel 24 times a day and night.
Also, Rover is quite advanced thanks to the amount of sensors and incorporation of AI. While taking measurements and during its inspection, it can open doors, climb stairs, and navigate through crowded areas with ease.
JLR's Future Plans
After seeing the success and capability of Rover, JLR is planning to use these robot dogs across their business, as well as to aid the manufacturing process of the Range Rover Electric. In this same facility, Jaguar will be manufacturing their new fleet of electric vehicles, so hopefully we'll be able to hear a little more about Rover's good deeds.
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