Boston Dynamics says it still needs to figure out how to remotely collect vital sign information, like body temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate and oxygen saturation. It’s considering the use of thermal camera technology, and it is testing ways to measure changes in blood vessel contraction via RGB cameras. In the near future, Boston Dynamics hopes that by attaching a UV-C light or other tech to the robot’s back, Spot could be used to kill virus particles and disinfect surfaces in spaces like hospital tents and metro stations.
While Boston Dynamics is using its legged Spot robot at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, it says the system could be used with wheeled or tracked robots too. It hopes other mobile robotics platforms will leverage the same hardware and software stack to help frontline employees. It’s already in talks with the Canadian firm Clearpath Robotics to help spread the technology.