Spot the robot dog fetches data on the jobsite
Canadian contractor Pomerleau puts AI pooch to work on Montreal project
Pomerleau has begun a six-month field usage of Spot, a fully automated, battery-operated moving robot dog, on one of its worksites near Montreal. This is the first time the AI canine has been used in a construction application.
Designed and built by Boston Dynamics, Spot's autonomous tracking systems enable it to identify and avoid obstacles and people, pick itself up after a fall, move in any direction, and quickly change directions.
Its tracking systems make it the perfect tool to explore confined or dangerous areas.
The first general contractor to use Spot on its worksites
On Pomerleau's jobsite, Spot will sport a 360-degree HD camera attached on its back. The camera is linked with HoloBuilder, a documentation platform that allows comparisons with virtual design and construction software to see a full site view from a remote connection. The photos will then be used to track the project's progress and adherence to budget, schedule and quality standards.
"This initiative is in line with Pomerleau's mission of identifying, leveraging, and championing innovation. Our industry is undergoing a profound transformation," said Ian Kirouac, Head of Transformation at Pomerleau. "We foresee robotics playing a large role in it," he adds.
"We are consistently trying out new technologies, tools and ways of working that will ultimately add value to our projects and benefit our clients," noted Eric Lessard, Chief Digital Officer, Pomerleau.
"It's becoming clear that today, we must turn to technology to assist and enhance human potential. Our approach is to try out different technologies – like Spot – to complement and help our workers, and then leverage their talent, skills and expertise for more crucial work," Lessard added.
The company will assess Spot's effectiveness over the next six months.
