Like a real dog, Spotless is capable of analyzing the air.
Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh are working on creating robotic "dogs" that can perform tasks in environments that pose serious dangers to humans. According to CBS News, these machines are designed to operate where the risk to humans is too high.
Pittsburgh, which was once primarily associated with metallurgy and earned the nickname "Steel City," is now rapidly developing as one of the technology hubs in the U.S. A significant role in this is played by funding from the Department of Defense, which actively invests in artificial intelligence and robotics projects.
During a demonstration, the scientists showed how a robot dog named Spotless can be used in search and rescue operations. According to them, such robots are intended to locate victims and assess the situation at the scene.
Like a real dog, Spotless is capable of analyzing the air to determine whether it is safe for humans. Additionally, the robot can collect data on the condition of a found person – identifying potential injuries and even measuring heart rate.
According to the researchers, during a simulated emergency, Spotless significantly sped up the work of the rescuers. Without it, medical personnel would have needed more time, as they would not know what gas they were dealing with and how many people were injured. After completing a task, the robot also receives a "reward" – not a treat like live dogs, but a fully charged new battery.
