Scientists create 3D printed robot dog

A group of scientists at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have created Astro, a robodog. Using deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) this quadruped robot is capable of seeing and hearing. This prototype was created at FAU’s Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Laboratory (MPCR), and is unique in the sense that it was 3D printed to resemble a Doberman pinscher. Other 3D printed robots before did not have the same structure, that is a head containing a computerised brain.

Astro was made to resemble a dog, but also to learn like a dog. It doesn’t operate based on preprogrammed robotic automation. Instead, its ‘brain’ will learn from experience to perform dog-like tasks. It weighs 100 pounds and is equipped with sensors, high-tech radar imaging, cameras and a directional microphone.

This robodog was created to be an information scout, therefore its missions will include detecting guns, explosives and gun residue to assist the police, the military and security personnel. It will need experience to do, as it learns from it. Eventually, it will be able to understand hand signals, detect different colours, comprehend many languages, coordinate its efforts with drones, distinguish human faces and recognise other dogs.