16 February 2024 , 14:19
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A robot dog named Spot is being used to help teams complete roadworks on our motorways.
The device is so far being deployed on the M5 in Somerset to check roads, bridges and embankments that are hard for humans to reach. The robot dog will collect data to help with future road repairs and reduce the need for costly traffic management. Spot can also check areas hidden by trees or under bridges.
Officials say Spot is safer and more cost-effective in hard-to-reach areas. National Highways said: "We're expecting this remote technology to give more detailed results than conventional techniques." Spot was tested last summer at the Moreton-in-Marsh development centre over different ground conditions and on various slopes, heights and materials. Live trials on our road network should give us an even better idea of the system's capabilities. Spot's first live trial was alongside the M5 in Somerset."
Guy Swains, Engineering Manager for the South West Geotechnical team, said: "The initial, 'proof of concept' testing has been encouraging and we're now live trialling the robotic tool with a view to utilising it via our contractors in future survey work, particularly in locations which present challenges for our traditional methods.
"As part of an ongoing exploration, Spot's capabilities will be tested over a variety of terrains and environments and in differing weather and ground conditions. The data from the trials will also be captured and analysed and dependent on results, hopefully we'll be able to measure an improvement in safety methods and efficiencies and employ the technology in our future work."
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Spot is pictured alongside ground engineering specialists (No credit)Matt Ewing, Business Development Manager with engineering firm BAM Ritchies, said: "Technology can keep our people safe and repeatedly capture high quality data, and having Spot undertake these trials demonstrates capability and evidence for further trials while making efficiencies in the delivery of work today. It's about finding the right applications, and the team is focused on realising Spot's potential."
James Codd, infrastructure consulting firm AECOM's Associate Director of Ground Engineering, said: "It's a significant step, and could complement the existing geotechnical asset management and inspection processes, to improve the safety of inspectors and reduce the impact of their activities on people's journeys. We are working closely with the teams and really believe there could be a permanent place for Spot in the geotechnical asset management toolkit."