Shy robot dog at last? Deep Robotics’ X30 avoids strangers, objects on the go

In a recent video shared online, Deep Robotics’ engineers are seen training their X30 robot dog to avoid strangers, other random objects, and threats.

The Chinese company is known for its proficiency in robotics technology and it had become the first in the country to achieve fully autonomous inspection of substations with quadruped robots.

Deep Robotics says that its quadruped robots can be deployed in various situations such as emergency rescue, fire detection, security measures, and can also be used to carry out scientific research in places which are considered inaccessible or dangerous for humans.

The addition of this new behavior, shown by the X30 robot dog in the video, adds another layer of safety. It can help the robot in perceiving threats, human or otherwise, and avoid them at the earliest.

A feature like this can come in handy in multiple situations, especially those involving work in rescue, security or surveillance missions in rugged and hostile zones.

According to a report by Techeblog , the behavior currently needs to be programmed into the X30 robot dog, but going forward it may become a normal pre-existing feature which works with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

X30 robot dog and auto-dodge protection

The video uploaded on YouTube by Deep Robotics begins with an individual (probably an engineer working on the project) standing a couple of feet away from the X30 robot dog.

Mindful of its situation, the quadruped can be seen backtracking as soon as the individual tries to approach it within touching distance, the company also states that it is an autonomous process by laying down the controls on the floor.

Moreover, the man also tries to surprise the robodog by approaching it from behind but the X30 is shown to be equipped with sensors which can detect movement and help it evade the human.

In the next setup , the robot dog also evades a drum-like object which is rolled towards it with amazing dexterity.

The third slide of the video shows its twin appearing on the scene, here too it tries to steer itself away from its lookalike and maintains its distance.

The company has termed the feature ‘auto-doge perception,’ and though it seems there is room for improvement, in terms of threat assessment and response time, it’s a remarkable capability for any quadruped robot to have.

Deep Robotics’ quadruped offering

Established in China’s city of Hangzhou in 2017, Deep Robotics wanted to build robots that could climb stairs without assistance.

Today it manufactures a variety of humanoids and robot dogs which can carry out several tasks.

One of the distinguishing factors of the X30 quadruped robot is that it can operate in extreme temperatures – ranging from -4 degree Fahrenheit (-20°C) to 131 degree Fahrenheit (55°C). It also comes with IP67 protection, meaning it is waterproof and can operate in situations where water is present.

Moreover, it can flexibly climb up and down stairs at a 45 degree angle; it can also stably climb industrial stairs. The robot is not reliant on external light sources; owing to its integrated perception using which it can autonomously navigate and operate in extreme environments where light is not present.

The company also offers an upgraded X30 pro model which comes with enhanced communication features.