At BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in the UK, a four-legged robot named ‘SpOtto’, developed by Boston Dynamics, has become the latest addition to the team.
The robot dog is named in homage to Gustav Otto, a BMW founder.
With the original product name Spot, this autonomous robot dog has reportedly revolutionised plant operations. SpOtto’s multifaceted capabilities include scanning the plant, aiding in maintenance tasks and ensuring seamless production processes.
Equipped with an array of sensors including visual, thermal and acoustic, SpOtto collects data for the plant’s digital twin, while also overseeing maintenance activities.
As a maintenance watchdog, SpOtto detects anomalies such as temperature variations and air leaks, thereby facilitating early intervention and reducing energy consumption.
Klaus von Moltke, SVP of Engine Production at BMW AG, said: “Virtualisation, automation and artificial intelligence are central pillars of the BMW ifactory,” explained Klaus von Moltke, SVP of engine production at BMW AG.
“Bold, innovative application examples like those at Plant Hams Hall showcase the full range of possibilities.”
SpOtto has also contributed to the creation of the plant’s fully connected digital twin; operating on three levels, this digital twin incorporates 3D representations of the plant, a vast data layer fed by various sources including SpOtto, and specialised programmes for data analysis and utilisation.
This integration enables experts at Plant Hams Hall to optimise processes such as quality assurance and production planning.
Before its deployment, a dedicated team tested SpOtto’s suitability for various tasks in a year-long development process.
The success of SpOtto at Plant Hams Hall has sparked interest among other BMW Group plants, where similar trials are underway.
Marco da Silva, head of Spot product development at Boston Dynamics, added: “The working environment at Plant Hams Hall is well suited for industrial inspections using a quadruped robot like SpOtto.
“The robot can easily take over the completion of numerous, repeatable monitoring tasks so the plant’s maintenance team can focus on maintenance. We are proud of the way the robot has been integrated into the plant.”
