The Mini Robodog From Boston Dynamics Can Now Open Doors to Get Out

SpotMini, Boston Dynamics’s dog-like quadruped robot, is back, and it’s learned a new trick.

The robot, which was unveiled in June 2016 and then updated in November 2017, can now open doors and hold them open.

The robot uses its fifth appendage, an arm mounted essentially where a canine’s head would be, to swiftly assess the door, locate and twist the handle, and pull the door open.

In a video released by Boston Dynamics, not only does the new-and-improved SpotMini open the door for itself, it even holds it open for its robot colleague.

A portrait of professional collegiality, this is a big step up from the solo activities of washing dishes or rolling over.

2016 SpotMini loading the dishwasher (BostonDynamics/YouTube)

Boston Dynamics has made steady progress in their efforts to build robots that move in a life-like manner, whether it’s Atlas’ Homo sapiens-like saunter or SpotMini’s four-legged gallop.

The same month they debuted their updated SpotMini, the company made headlines by releasing a video showing their Atlas robot’s back-flipping antics.

The SpotMini’s latest development is confirmation that progress continues to march on behind Boston Dynamics’s doors.