※This is a machine-translated text of the original article.

Kajima Corporation, in collaboration with SoftBank Robotics and SoftBank Corp, conducted demonstration experiments using cutting-edge robotics technology developer Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot “Spot”.

Based on the result of the demonstration experiment, the use case was examined, and it was announced that the robot which was improved to be able to walk without inconvenience even in the roadbed in the tunnel was introduced in December 2019, aiming to be utilized in the civil engineering field.

In a demonstration conducted in 2018, a Spot equipped with 360-degree cameras was remotely controlled from the control room.

Photographing of the working face (excavation point) and inspection of instruments such as pump meters were carried out.

In addition, underground patrols were conducted utilizing the characteristics of autonomous walking along preset routes.

They confirmed the applicability in the field and extracted the problems.
After that, SoftBank Robotics and Boston Dynamics improved their walking performance checks and interface programs.

The possibility of application to the civil engineering field was raised.
In the future, it is planned to demonstrate the underground surveying work and patrol for safety management, etc. in the tunnel construction.

In addition, by taking advantage of the characteristics that quadruped walking is possible, the company will consider expanding the applications, including dangerous work such as investigation and surveying in steep landslide areas.

Kajima Corporation says it will continue to actively promote the introduction of robotics technologies to further improve productivity and safety in the construction industry, while at the same time aiming for more efficient operations.

Original Text: https://ampmedia.jp/2020/02/20/spot/