1.1. About this document .................... 7 1.2. Manufacturer information ..................7 1.3. Key terminology ....................8 1.3.1. Legend of hazard labels ................9 1.3.2. Spot anatomy .................... 10 1.4. Spot specifications ....................11 2. Product safety overview .................... 13 2.1. General principles ....................13 2.2.
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5.1.2. Robot status lights ................... 65 5.2. Remote controllers ..................... 67 5.2.1. Spot tablet controller ................67 5.2.2. Connect the tablet controller to Spot ............. 68 5.2.3. Enable AutoReturn to recover from loss of connection to the controller ......................69 5.3.
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5.4.1. Manual stop using the tablet controller ..........73 5.4.2. Restarting after a stop using the tablet controller ........ 75 5.5. Change Spot’s mode of operation ..............76 5.5.1. Switch to automatic mode ..............76 5.5.2. Switch to manual mode ................77 5.6.
This document contains critical safety information for the Spot robot. Responsible use of Spot is crucial to prevent dangerous conditions for those in close proximity to Spot. Read, understand, and comply with this document before initial use of Spot to decrease the risk of injuries or damage to yourself, Spot, or other property.
Spot Dock. Custom Actions can be created using Spot’s software development tools. Any device or piece of hardware that is affixed to Spot to enhance or expand Spot’s Attachment functionality. Attachments for Spot are commonly called “payloads”.
Introduction 1.3.1. Legend of hazard labels DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
180 minutes powered, motors off) Spot Power Supply 400 W power output Max charge current Power Time to charge (Spot Approximately 50 Approximately 2 hours Dock ambient temp. minutes for 80% charge for 100% charge 25°C) Time to charge (Spot Approximately 2.5...
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Introduction Category Specification Value Black-and-white or color fisheye, range (depth), Camera functions infrared Number of optical cameras(for image capture, fiducial 5 (front-left, front-right, left, right, rear) recognition, displaying surroundings ) Overall optical field of 360 degrees Cameras view (FOV) Number of depth cameras (for robot 5 stereo pairs (front-left, front-right, left, right, rear) perception, obstacle...
2. Product safety overview 2.1. General principles Spot is a legged robot capable of mobility on a variety of terrains. Spot uses multiple sensors and three motors in each leg to navigate in indoor and outdoor environments, maintain balance and attain postures.
2.3. Modes of operation Spot can be operated in various modes. • Manual: Direct operation of Spot by displaying images from Spot’s cameras on a remote controller. Remote controllers Drive Spot with remote control. All Spot operations are supervised and executed by a human driver who is responsible for verifying the surrounding conditions.
Spot’s default gait. Spot moves at variable speed on alternating pairs of legs (front-right/hind-left, front-left/hind-right). On a firm flat surface such as concrete, wood floor, or thin carpet, Spot's movement while walking is a regular cadence of each pair of legs swinging and touching the ground together. The body remains approximately stable at the same height and attitude.
• Low battery: When Spot’s batteries reach critically low levels, Spot will sit and turn off its motors. • Controller input: Commands to stop or de-energize Spot can be sent from a robot control device.
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I1 = pin 19 (See figure below) Use only one port, either front or rear. See example in figure below. Spot will not work without a cap or a properly configured attachment Interface connected to each port. When a cap is used, the stopping function is disabled.
On flat ground, a safety-related stop will result in a maximum stopping distance of 1 meter. On uneven or sloped surfaces, the stopping distance could be augmented by Spot’s motion under gravity and will depend on factors such as the slope or unevenness of the walking surface. For more information, see Hazards associated with stopping or other powerless motion.
On a firm flat surface such as concrete, wood floor, or thin carpet, most adults can easily outpace Spot at its default walking speed and there is limited kinetic energy associated with Spot's forward motion.
Obstacles are mapped and remembered even when Spot’s movement brings the obstacle into one of the gaps. However, Spot may fail to detect: • Moving obstacles. • Obstacles that are hard to detect until Spot is very close. (For details on the limits of the perception system, refer to Navigational conditions.) •...
The warning system consists of five indicators that project colored light onto the ground to the front and sides of Spot's body, a buzzer, and a speaker. When the warning system is enabled, signal patterns activate automatically when specific operating conditions are met (see Warning system light and sound patterns).
On the bottom body panel between the rear hips (2 indicators). The indicators are angled to illuminate the ground in front, beneath, and to the sides of Spot. This is intended to maximize surface reflections and improve visibility from around corners, behind small obstacles, beneath grated surfaces such as stairs and walkways, and other directions where Spot might not be directly or easily visible.
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(not for human objects along or near off) intervention). Spot's path during automatic operation. Normal operations with Traversing a crosswalk Slow Slow blink an increased level of area during automatic beep warning.
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(not for human objects along or near off) intervention). Spot's path during automatic operation. Normal operations with Traversing a crosswalk Slow Slow blink an increased level of area during automatic beep warning.
When walking at default speed on a firm flat surface such as concrete, wood floor, or thin carpet, Spot's motion resembles that of a dog or other quadruped and it can easily be outpaced by most adults (see Walk (“trot”)
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Erratic movements for regaining balance • Inability to proceed with locomotion Exceeding the Climate/Ingress conditions may have a significant effect on the reliability of Spot hardware: • Extreme temperatures or submersion in water may cause failures in various Spot components dedicated to perception and control (cameras, joints, CPU, etc.)
• Cannot detect obstacles directly above Spot (e.g. if Spot is sitting under a table and then attempts to stand, the top of Spot will hit the table). • Objects shorter than 30 cm: Spot will attempt to step on or over the obstacle.
Less than 1 minute per interaction when Spot is operating in automatic mode. Less than 10% of the total usage time when Spot is operating in areas with restricted access. Several minutes, up to 1 hour, when Spot is being operated in manual mode (recording missions, remotely-controlled operations).
CAUTION Do not touch or operate Spot if any damage is noticed and wet parts of the body are exposed to contact. Contact Boston Dynamics Support in case of apparent damage of parts.
Spot. 2.10.3.2. Radio Frequencies (RF) Spot uses a WiFi radio module and meets the requirements for intentional radiators set in the relevant international technical standards. You should estimate the probability of augmented influence of RF that could affect or compromise the conditions for immunity of Spot from: •...
2.10.4. Noise The airborne noise generated by Spot is determined by the environment Spot is operating in. For instance, Spot will generate much less noise walking across a padded carpet floor than it will walking up metal stairs. Before putting Spot into regular use, work with your Environmental Health and Safety team to determine if additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required due to the noise Spot generates in its working environment.
DANGER In the unlikely event of damage with visible breakage of any part of Spot or its batteries, DO NOT touch or attempt any recovery. It is extremely unlikely that the battery generates fire under normal conditions of use and environment.
Considerations for the severity of hazards When Spot is actively moving, accidental minor impacts may occur only with the lower body (feet and lower legs). While Spot is moving and balancing on legs, any accidental impact with Spot would be a short event (<...
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Less than 1 minute per interaction when Spot is operating in automatic mode. • Less than 10% of the total usage time when Spot is operating in areas with restricted access. • Several minutes, up to 1 hour, when Spot is being operated in manual mode (recording missions, remotely-controlled operations).
Elevation > 1100 mm Considerations for the severity of hazards As a result of a loss of stability, Spot will de-energize its legs to avoid additional hazards during potential uncontrolled tip-over movements. If residual motion under gravity can occur (see also...
(and increase severity). During a stop event, Spot will attempt to lower its body in control before full de-energization. However, Spot may occasionally not finish reaching a safe state because the ground conditions (friction, firmness, etc.) may force Spot to iterate its gait to secure its footing.
(misuse). Severity is low. Overall occurrence is low. WARNING Do not try to recover Spot by grasping or holding it up during an apparent loss of stability. 2.11. General warnings • Attachments can alter the stability and the overall energy of an accidental loss of stability.
Transport, handling, and storage 3. Transport, handling, and storage 3.1. Transport Spot is transported in two customized cases designed exclusively for Spot and its accessories. 3.1.1. Shipping case specifications Category Specification Value Length 927 mm Width 546 mm Spot robot shipping case...
Always use two people to lift Spot, one at the front and one at the rear. Lift Spot by the handles while it is sitting upright, or by the lower legs if on its back. Always grab the handles or legs with clenched fists.
Check for additional PPE that may be required in the application environment. 3.3. Storage Spot is best stored in the case or at a Spot Dock when not in use. Store Spot in a dry location with temperatures between -40°C and 75°C, with relative humidity between 30% and 70%.
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(air, ground, rail, or sea). To determine the SOC of the Spot battery, push the button on the battery and read the led indicators. When the indicator shows 1 bar, it means it has less than 30% SOC.
In general, initial power-ups, standing, and movements of legged robots may be unfamiliar to first users. Ensure that all bystanders are trained in the use of Spot and about the residual risks of Spot applications. 2-meter safety zone around Spot.
• Changing the conditions for compliance with standards or local regulations. 4.2.1. Analysis of attachments You must complete your own risk assessment for the use of the assembly of Spot and attachments (see the full procedure in Risk assessment for Spot's baseline risk estimation), considering the...
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WARNING Spot has been tested to EMC Industrial standards. Attachments that emit radiation in excess of the levels Spot has been tested to may cause harm to Spot and degrade its performance in a dangerous manner. Boston Dynamics is not responsible for any damage caused by radiating attachments.
4.2.2. Attachment mount points and dimensions Aluminum mounting rails are located along the top left and top right edges of Spot’s body and provide a secure means of mounting attachments to Spot. The rails accept T-slot nuts such as Misumi HNTR5-5.
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The height of attachments impacts Spot's ability to self-right and increases the height of the center of mass. Keep the center of mass low, as Spot may not self-right if top heavy.
Spot can better handle payload mass if the combined center of mass lies between the front and rear hips. Spot will be more agile and less likely to fall if the total attachment mass is centered on the middle of its body.
Log in to the Admin Console. Select Payloads. Some attachments will auto-register with Spot to streamline setup. If your attachment already appears on the page: Select AUTHORIZE. Select the configuration that matches your attachment (model and front or rear mount location), then select AUTHORIZE.
Do not dispose of the battery with household waste. Refer to local electric waste regulations. • Do not charge, or operate Spot with, a battery that is cracked or otherwise damaged. For assistance with damaged batteries, contact Boston Dynamics Support.
To remove the battery: Ensure Spot is powered off and disconnected from power and Ethernet cables. With Spot on its back, lift the battery handle and slide the battery out of the battery compartment. 4.3.3. Charge the battery Spot's battery can be charged in several ways: •...
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Boston Dynamics Support Center. Appendix A: Supplemental information Only charge the battery with the Spot Dock or the Spot Power Supply provided by Boston Dynamics. Charging a battery with the Spot Power Supply. Charging a battery in Spot with the Spot Power Supply.
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Power cords present tripping hazards and may cause the Spot Power Supply to fall from an elevated position. • Place the Spot Power Supply on a dry floor, out of the path of people or robots, while charging. • Do not operate Spot while connected to the Spot Power Supply. Doing so could damage Spot or the Spot Power Supply.
Setup 4.4. Spot Dock setup The Spot Dock is a recharging station for Spot. The Spot Dock can also provide a pass-through connection for Spot’s Ethernet port. Before using the Spot Dock, check that the following conditions are met: •...
WiFi and https:// 10.0.0.3 when connected by Ethernet. Log in with the admin username and password printed on the label in Spot’s battery compartment, or using credentials provided by your Spot system administrator.
For the best and most reliable performance, keep software fully updated on Spot and related equipment. Boston Dynamics recommends that you: • Update Spot and each controller to the latest software version as soon as it becomes available. • Keep each attachment updated to the latest available software version for that attachment. •...
Select UPLOAD, then wait for the file to upload. Select INSTALL AND REBOOT. Wait for the software to install and for Spot to reboot. When Spot has finished rebooting, you may need to reload the page to verify that the update was successful.
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To update the operating system and firmware, follow manufacturer instructions. NOTICE Changing system settings or installing third-party software (e.g. custom keyboards) on the tablet controller may interfere with the performance of the Spot App. Boston Dynamics recommends that you keep the tablet controller in its default configuration whenever possible.
Battery and power controls. 5.1.1. Power and motor status lights The power and motor lockout buttons are located at the rear of Spot’s body. The power button illuminates blue when Spot’s computers are on. The motor lockout button illuminates red when the motor lockout is reset.
Power and motor status lights. When Spot is powered on and motors are locked out (blue light only), motion commands are disabled. Spot will not move until the motor lockout is reset and Spot receives a start command as described in Start Spot.
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Yellow System booting up Moving rainbow Powered on, ready to connect Solid blue Lockout button engaged; Spot is safe to handle Filling blue Charging, dots indicate percentage of charge Solid blue with Plugged in or docked, no battery Slow blink Spot connected;...
5.2. Remote controllers Spot can be operated with the tablet controller that ships with Spot, or from a computer running the Scout browser application. This document describes the use of the tablet controller. For instructions on using Scout, refer to documentation in the Boston Dynamics Support Center (see...
Press the tablet controller’s back button to return to the Spot App. If Spot appears in the NEW ROBOTS list, select it. Otherwise, select + ADD ROBOT and enter Spot’s IP address. (For the default network configuration, the address is 192.168.80.3) Log in with the admin username and password printed on the label in Spot’s battery...
To take control of Spot from another controller: If you see a different button such as OPERATE or HIJACK when connecting to Spot, it may mean that Spot has already been started and is operating in automatic mode or under the control of another Operator.
Use of the machine When enabled, AutoReturn allows Spot to backtrack automatically to a location within a set radius as it attempts to restore its connection to the controller. If the signal is restored, manual operation resumes. If the signal is not restored, Spot will sit and power off its motors.
The fans will turn on and spin for approximately two minutes. During this time, Spot's computers are booting and its hosted WiFi network is initiating. When the noise of the fans is audibly lower and the status lights at the front of Spot change to solid blue, Spot’s computers are powered on.
To reset the motor lockout: Press the Motor Lockout button on the rear of Spot. If Spot’s computers are already powered on, the button will illuminate red and slowly blink to indicate that the lockout is reset. Spot will not start yet. A deliberate start command is necessary from an externally connected control device.
5.4.1. Manual stop using the tablet controller To suspend robot motion while driving Spot with the tablet controller, select STOP. Spot will pause and stand in place. If Spot is seated, it will remain seated. To de-energize Spot’s motors, use either of these methods: •...
Use of the machine WARNING When motors are de-energized, Spot will lose its ability to stand and balance. On flat ground, Spot will lower its body. On inclined surfaces or stairs, Spot may tip over. 5.4.2. Restarting after a stop using the tablet controller To resume operation with the tablet controller after a stop: First make sure safety conditions are met, and sufficient clearance is maintained.
If Spot is running an Autowalk mission unsupervised or under the supervision of another remote controller, you will be prompted to power off and restart Spot's motors as part of the mode change. CAUTION Changing modes will bring any current robot motion to a standstill, and may cause Spot to immediately begin moving along a new trajectory.
• A restored connection between Spot and a remote controller as a result of AutoReturn. Spot will remain in manual mode until it is switched to automatic mode or powered off, or until AutoReturn is triggered. 5.6. A/V warning system settings...
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Use of the machine • On the tablet controller, navigate to Menu ≡ > SETTINGS > AUDIO/VISUAL. A/V warning system settings. Control Description AUDIO/VISUAL Enable or disable the A/V warning system. SETTINGS Brightness Set the brightness of the indicators. Set the volume of the buzzer. WARNING Buzzer Volume At higher volumes, prolonged exposure to the noise...
Starts its motors, if they are not already started. Slowly unfolds and lowers its legs, then stands up. Walks forward until its rear legs are clear of the Spot Dock. Spot uses its perception system to recognize the Spot Dock and navigate automatically during docking and undocking. NOTICE Before docking or undocking Spot, ensure that the Spot Dock has been installed correctly and is in usable condition.
Spot Dock. If your ability to observe the operation remotely is compromised, abort docking. When Spot is close enough, the dock fiducial will be highlighted in purple on the controller screen. Generally, this happens within 4 meters of the dock.
Each mission can include only one docking Action, which is tied to a specific Spot Dock as identified by the docking fiducial. The docking Action must be added at the end of the mission recording. For instructions on recording a mission, see Record an Autowalk mission.
Use of the machine 5.8. Drive Spot with remote control When driving with remote control, you are in direct control of Spot’s movements and behaviors. 5.8.1. Tablet controls (Menu bar) The Spot App's menu bar. Label Control Description Main Menu Access app-wide settings and features.
Spot. 5.8.1.1. Main Menu The main menu of the Spot App. Menu item Description View Spot's serial number, current robot and tablet software, ABOUT and Spot license. ADMIN CONSOLE Access Spot's Admin Console without leaving the Spot App. Transfer images and other data generated by Actions during DOWNLOAD DATA Manual or Automatic operation from Spot to the tablet.
• Select ROBOT CAMERAS to see the live feed from any of Spot's body cameras. • Select TOP DOWN to see a simulation of Spot's environment from above, using images and depth data from the body cameras. • Select CAMERAS OFF to disable the viewscreen.
Use of the machine 5.8.1.4. Controls dropdown The Controls dropdown. To switch between control schemes: • Select the gamepad to drive with joysticks. • Select the hand to drive with Touch-to-Go. For a full list of drive controls, see Tablet controls (Drive mode) Tablet controls (Autowalk mode).
Use of the machine 5.8.1.5. Motor status panel The Motor status panel. Control Description Motor Power Turn Spot's motors on and off. Control is required to issue drive commands to Spot. See also: Connect the tablet controller to Spot. CAUTION Take or Release...
Use of the machine Control Description Cut motor power authority is required to issue STOP and CUT POWER commands to Spot. Cut motor power authority is not required to issue drive commands to Spot. See also: Connect the tablet controller to Spot Manual stop using the tablet controller.
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Obstacle CAUTION Avoidance Turning off obstacle avoidance will increase the likelihood of collisions with people and objects in the environment. Slide to adjust how much distance Spot will try to keep between itself and Obstacle obstacles. Avoidance Cushion See also: Obstacle avoidance.
Control Description Step Height Control the height of Spot’s step. Slide to adjust Spot’s step height and speed to compensate for different Ground Friction surface types. Lower settings result in slower, smaller steps which may improve stability on slipperier surfaces.
On the tablet controller, open the Battery status panel. Select ROLL OVER. Confirm there is at least 1 meter of clear space around Spot, then select ROLL OVER. Spot will sit, roll onto its right side, then power off motors.
Left joystick Move Spot forward, backward, left, and right. Right joystick Rotate Spot clockwise or counterclockwise. Spot will walk to the location you select. Select ⓧ to cancel. Touch-to-Go Height slider Adjust Spot’s walking height. Switch between three maximum speed settings (SLOW, MED, Speed slider FAST).
This setting is recorded separately for each path segment. Path following • WIDE PATH (default): Spot may deviate up to 1.5 meters from tolerance the recorded mission route to avoid obstacles. • STRICT PATH: Spot will adhere closely to the recorded mission route, keeping the center of its body within a 25 cm corridor along the recorded path.
NOTICE Many incidental operations during recording, such as standing idle or switching camera views, are not included in the mission map and will not be repeated by Spot during replay. To start a mission recording, at least one fiducial marker must be placed in the operating environment.
Select FINISH RECORDING, then select YES. The mission is stored on the tablet. NOTICE To allow Spot to start and end the mission at a Spot Dock, end the recording with a docking action as described in Dock and undock in manual mode.
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Action was recorded, another 2-second timer will appear before the Action is deleted. Release ↶ Undo to finalize the process. Spot will position itself at the closest waypoint in the mission map. All path segments that were added to the current recording past that point will be deleted.
Select EXTEND MISSION. When prompted, select EXTEND MISSION. Drive Spot and perform Actions. Select FINISH RECORDING, then select YES. The extension is added to the mission and the replay ends.
To replay an Autowalk mission from the tablet: If the mission begins or ends at a Spot Dock, ensure Spot is on the dock. Otherwise, ensure Spot is within sight of at least one fiducial that was recognized during mission recording.
Select YES to exit Autowalk mode. 5.9.3. Configure Autowalk mission replay options Mission replay options modify Spot’s behavior as it carries out an Autowalk mission. Options are configured on the tablet at the time playback is initiated. 5.9.3.1. Mission route settings Autowalk mission route preview.
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Prompt Timeout See also: Mission prompts and Operator intervention When a prompt times out, Spot will attempt navigation again until it either Automatic Retries succeeds or reaches the specified retry limit. Navigation failure When there are no more retries, Spot will perform the specified operation.
Operator intervention). The Autowalk replay supervision setting determines how long Spot can continue operating in automatic mode without a connection to a remote controller. After the set duration, Spot will sit and power off its motors as described in Operational stop.
Use of the machine If you don’t respond to the prompt, Spot will abort or continue the mission according to the mission replay options. Prompt timeouts and Spot’s behavior if no input is received are configurable as described in Configure Autowalk mission replay options.
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When manually controlling Spot on stairs or recording an Autowalk mission that includes stairs, follow these guidelines: To climb stairs, position Spot at the base of the staircase, and push the Left joystick forward to walk Spot straight up the stairs.
Position yourself at the top or 2 meters away from the bottom of the staircase before driving Spot onto the stairs. • Do not follow Spot up the stairs until it has come to a standstill on a flat landing with sufficient clearance. •...
If you suspect Spot is damaged, cease operation immediately and contact Boston Dynamics support. 5.12. Create a log entry If you experience unexpected behavior from Spot, an attachment, or related software, you can create a log entry to help Boston Dynamics Support diagnose and address the issue. Log type Description Generates a log entry including the previous 30 seconds of operational data.
Always give Spot the right of way, especially during automatic operation. • Do not stand beneath or downhill of Spot when it is on an elevated surface, such as a staircase or elevated platform. Stay at least 2 meters away from the bottom of any staircase or incline where Spot is active.
6. Maintenance 6.1. Service and repair Do not attempt to service or repair Spot yourself. If errors or other issues persist during robot operation, Spot may need attention from Boston Dynamics Support engineers. Include the following information when contacting Support: •...
Maintenance • Use a non-abrasive cloth dampened with glass cleaner to clean camera windows. • Use a magic eraser or a mild detergent to clean superficial scuffs on Spot’s body or leg panels. • Do not use bleach. • Do not use strong solvents.
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Requires the camera calibration panel that is shipped with Spot. CAUTION Poor calibration of Spot's joints and/or cameras increases the likelihood of falls, collisions, and other hazards. Run SpotCheck diagnostics promptly when calibration issues are indicated, and on the preventive schedule recommended by Boston Dynamics.
This process takes 2 to 3 minutes. To recalibrate Spot's leg joints and identify potential calibration issues with Spot's body cameras: Start with Spot in the Sit pose.
To allow you to revert an incorrect calibration, Spot stores the previous joint calibration as a backup. To revert Spot to the previous joint calibration: On the tablet controller, navigate to Menu ≡...
No bright lights, including overhead lights and windows with direct or bright indirect sunlight. Camera calibration requires the calibration panel that is shipped with Spot. The calibration panel is a flat board approximately 118.5 cm x 50 cm that shows a set of 18 fiducials spaced evenly on a black background and a pair of arrows labeled "Up".
Safe handling. Position Spot in the Stand pose about 1 meter in front of the panel, with the rear body camera directly facing the panel. On the tablet controller, navigate to Menu ≡ > UTILITIES > SPOTCHECK.
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Maintenance CAUTION During SpotCheck, the arm will fully extend above and to the front and side of Spot. Ensure 2 meters of clearance around and above the robot before beginning this process. NOTICE SpotCheck does not check or recalibrate the gripper camera.
Jan 9, 2024 7.2. Labels The following labels and nameplates appear on Spot. Labels are located inside the battery compartment and are visible before installation. The year of production is the first digit of the serial number (S/N) following “BD-”. For instance, the serial number BD-3####### indicates a Spot produced in 2023.
Appendix A: Supplemental information 8. Appendix A: Supplemental information Additional information and resources about Spot are available online at the following URLs: Resource Section 2.10.2.1 Spot Power Supply https://support.bostondynamics.com/s/spot-product- Information for Use safety 4.3.3 2.10.2.1 4.3.3 Spot Dock Information for https://support.bostondynamics.com/s/spot-product-...
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