[A Robot Dog. Credit to: OpenAI, DALL·E]

A dream of integrating robots into daily life is now a reality, and quadrupedal robots, or "robot dogs," are at the forefront.

Boston Dynamics' "Spot" is a versatile and adaptable robotic solution transforming industries and public services worldwide, while KAIST's Raibo2 supplements this with groundbreaking achievements showcasing the future possibilities of quadruped robots.

Spot, a quadrupedal robot from Boston Dynamics, is revolutionizing operational efficiency across a wide range of industries. 

Equipped with advanced design and AI-powered capabilities, Spot has quickly become a trusted partner for various applications, ranging from facility inspections to security and delivery.

Spot has been deployed at very high-profile locations for security patrols, such as at Mar-a-Lago, the residence of former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

With its cameras, sensors, and autonomous navigation systems, Spot can detect potential threats, navigate complex environments like stairs and ramps, and stream data in real time to human operators. 

The U.S. Secret Service has relied on Spot in high-security environments, demonstrating  its reliability in critical tasks.

In Korea, Spot is being utilized in industrial and public areas. 

Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Boston Dynamics, has equipped its factories with Spot for safety monitoring and operational checks. 

At Incheon International Airport, Spot is used to inspect important infrastructure, such as underground utility tunnels, and shows its capabilities of operating well in small and tight areas.

Logistics is another domain where Spot demonstrates adaptability, participating in several pilot projects for last-mile delivery. 

It can carry packages directly to customers' doors, providing an efficient solution for urban delivery challenges. 

Public safety applications include bridge surveillance, fire detection, and fallen-person identification, as demonstrated during its deployment by local governments.

Spot's design is an integrated combination of sophisticated hardware with AI-powered software. 

Sensors such as LIDAR and motion cameras allow Spot to map out an area, detect obstacles, and make adaptations for different terrains.

This technology enables Spot to operate either autonomously or via remote control, depending on the task.

The robot’s modular design enhances functionality by adding the specific tool or equipment the task requires.

For example, Spot can be fitted with either thermal cameras or gas detectors in very high-security applications. 

It has also charmed audiences with choreographed dances and precise movements in more lighthearted scenarios, showcasing its potential for both utility and entertainment.

While Spot exemplifies versatility and immediate practical applications, KAIST's Raibo2 demonstrates the potential of robotic quadrupeds in endurance and adaptability. 

Developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Raibo2 recently made history by completing a full marathon of 42.195 km in 4 hours and 19 minutes-a world first by a robot.

Raibo2’s success is because of its innovative control system that minimizes impact forces during movement. This approach of "soft landing" has made the robot very efficient and saves energy consumption by 30-40%. 

The research team used a simulation environment to train Raibo2 with reinforcement learning algorithms for various scenarios including slopes, stairs, and uneven terrain.

The marathon performance of the robot was not only one of endurance but also a promise that robots can work efficiently in harsh outdoor conditions. 

Raibo2’s energy-efficient design enabled it to finish the race without recharging or repairs, which is another major milestone for robotic engineering.

The research team is also exploring humanoid robots, aiming to revolutionize mobility in environments where traditional vehicles face limitations.

Spot and Raibo2 represent two complementary aspects of the robotic quadruped revolution. Spot represents the immediate utility of robot dogs in various industries, while Raibo2 exemplifies  the possibilities of endurance and adaptability for future applications.

With an integrated sensor, a modular design, and state-of-the-art AI algorithms, the robotics quadruped will continue to go through continuous evolution to tackle complex tasks from rugged terrain to everyday life.