Boston Dynamics has given Spot a new robotic arm that can grasp, carry, place, and drag a variety of objects. The secretive firm today showed off Spot moving tools, pulling levers, opening doors, and closing valves at a launch event for a new lineup of the robots. The arm can manually or semi-autonomously perform physical work or act on data insights at construction sites, underground mines, power plants, and offshore rigs. [Read: These clumsy robots prove AI is far from perfect] The arm is one of several new additions to the Spot lineup. Boston Dynamics has also launched a self-charging version of the robot, and web-based software that operators can use to control their fleet of from a virtual control room. CEO Robert Player said there are now more than 400 Spots in the world: Businesses can buy one of the quadrupeds for $74,500. But it might be a while before you can get one to clean your house or make your dinner. Spot’s terms and conditions of sale currently prohibit home use of the devices — although the company has hinted that this will change in the future.
