Boston Dynamics CEO on being acquired and selling the SpotMini | TC Sessions Robotics 2018

TL;DR

Boston Dynamics CEO talks about the company's transition from Google to Softbank, the focus on both short-term and long-term robotics developments, and the upcoming commercialization of their robots.

Transcript

so it's been it's been what about a year and a half I think since we did one of these yep at the time Boston Dynamics was a part of Google I think you were searching for some new ownership at the time and couldn't really talk about it last time you were on stage but why was Google not a great fit for the company well I don't really have an answer t... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 Boston Dynamics' transition from Google to Softbank has allowed them to maintain their research and development focus while also working towards commercialization.
• 🤖 The company's Atlas humanoid robot showcases the combination of mechanical design and computing controls, highlighting the importance of both aspects in robotics.
• 🤖 Spot Mini, with its ability to navigate through various environments, addresses the limitations of wheeled robots and has potential applications in security, construction, and more.
• 🤖 Boston Dynamics aims to develop robots that can be used in various practical applications while continuing to push the boundaries of future possibilities.
• 🤖 The company is focused on reducing costs, improving reliability, and enhancing performance to make their robots commercially viable.
• 🤖 The Spot Mini robot, in particular, is designed as a hardware and software platform, allowing third-party developers to create their own applications for the robot.
• 🙈 Boston Dynamics sees robotics becoming more ubiquitous than the internet, with the ability to manipulate physical objects beyond accessing information.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led to Boston Dynamics' departure from Google, and what was achieved during their time there?

While the CEO does not specifically mention the reason for their departure, he emphasizes that their time at Google was productive and well-funded. They made significant progress in various projects, laying the foundation for their current work.

Q: How does Boston Dynamics align with Softbank's long-term vision?

Softbank's founder, Masayoshi Son, holds long-term plans for the company. Boston Dynamics' focus on both immediate and long-term goals aligns well with Softbank's vision. They plan to continue investing in research and development while also developing marketable products.

Q: What are the practical applications for Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot?

While Atlas does not have immediate commercial applications, it serves as a platform for developing technologies that can be used in shorter-range applications. For instance, the two-armed manipulation capabilities of Atlas can be applied to simpler machines for practical tasks.

Q: What is the current status and future plans for the Spot Mini robot?

Spot Mini is currently in pre-production, with 10 units built. Boston Dynamics plans to build 100 more units this year and move towards higher rate production in the middle of the next year. They are also working with proof-of-concept customers to test and refine the robot for specific applications.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Boston Dynamics spent four and a half years at Google, where they made significant progress and laid the foundation for their current projects.

• The company's focus is on building robots for both immediate use and long-term research and development.

• Boston Dynamics showcased their humanoid robot, Atlas, demonstrating its abilities in vision systems and mobility, as well as their Spot Mini robot, which is close to commercial production.