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Marlowe Fire & Security Shows Off Spot

08 February 2023
 

Marlowe Fire & Security will be showcasing their latest, state-of-the-art security solutions at Carlisle Support Services’ Innovation Lab on Thursday 23 February, where attendees will get the opportunity to meet Spot, the four-legged dog-like robot originally developed by Boston Dynamics.

Spot will be on patrol at the event at the iconic Manchester Central Convention Complex with live demonstrations where visitors can find out more about how robot dogs can assist with surveillance and security operations while improving safety and efficiencies.
 

"Innovation is at the forefront of all we do at Marlowe Fire & Security and now AI-enabled video analytics can be leveraged in more sectors than ever before to improve safety, security and operational efficiency.”


– Paul Mather
Managing Director, Marlowe Fire & Security

 

A Sensor-rich Adaptive Security Companion

 

A remarkably smart robot, Spot can understand and navigate an environment independently. Using a sophisticated system of sensors, AI and machine learning, Spot can carry out autonomous missions including sensing and inspecting sites and capturing limitless, consistent data, allowing businesses to better monitor their assets and make informed decisions, whilst also freeing up employees for value-added work.

Spot provides enhanced support and improved efficiency of human patrol operations, elevating safety and security measures of stand-alone manned guarding. It can perform perimeter patrols either independently or supervised by a security team member, and can also be operated and controlled remotely via a tablet.

Machine learning capabilities enable Spot to adapt to any terrain and create a comprehensive map of its patrol area. It can effortlessly cruise over loose gravel, curbs, grass, stairs, rough terrain, and 360-degree perception allows it to avoid any obstacles.

Spot can be deployed in hazardous situations that are too dangerous, or too difficult, for human entry, reducing risk and enabling operators to safely assess suspected hazards from a safe distance.

Designed with hypersensitive sensors, Spot has the capability to detect a range of potentially dangerous warning signs including hot spots on machines or electrical conductors, water and steam leaks, gas leaks or fires, radiation, vibration, and even noise anomaly detection to detect abnormal operating noises like ticking, grinding, or whirring.

 

Obtaining Data for Research and Development

 

By capturing frequent, high-quality data that can be integrated into an asset management system to detect anomalies, businesses can gain comprehensive site visibility, turn insights into action, and avoid any downtime.

The use of autonomous robots for security is becoming more and more prevalent as technology rapidly advances. With so many features available, Spot is a great fit for many applications including manufacturing, construction, power & utilities, public safety and much more.

 

Paul Mather, Managing Director of Marlowe Fire & Security commented: We are proud to be working in partnership with Carlisle Support Services and excited to be exhibiting at the Innovation Lab event, where we will showcase our latest innovative solutions including Spot.

"Innovation is at the forefront of all we do at Marlowe Fire & Security and now AI-enabled video analytics can be leveraged in more sectors than ever before to improve safety, security and operational efficiency.” 

Chief Executive Officer of the event’s host, Carlisle Support Services, Paul Evans said: “Helping organisations keep up to date with the latest solutions and technologies such as Spot the robot dog is precisely what the Innovation Lab intends to do. We are pleased to have Marlowe demonstrate Spot’s ability to carry out autonomous missions, therefore improving efficiency and elevating safety, particularly in hazardous situations.”

 

Andy Kelly, Director of Facilities Management & Infrastructure at Manchester Central said: “We’re really excited to see Spot the robot dog in action at the Innovation Lab. This is another great example of how events such as this play a pivotal role in driving progress and innovation, across all business sectors. Security is a critical area for the events sector and it’s fantastic to see real cutting-edge technology, such as this, emerging to support the incredible work security teams do to ensure safe and enjoyable event experiences.”

 

Spot’s Origins

 

Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, began commercial sales for Spot in 2020. This launch marked the first time that businesses could purchase a Boston Dynamics robot, and represents Boston Dynamics’ first online sales offering.

Spot was previously only available for short-term lease under Boston Dynamics’ Early Adopter Program. Under that program, over 150 Spot robots were successfully used by domestic and international businesses and research facilities. Early Adopters used Spot robots to document construction progress, monitor remote or hazardous environments, and provide situational awareness. Spot robots were used in a variety of environments, including power generation facilities, decommissioned nuclear sites, factory floors, construction sites, and research laboratories.

Spot was also used to explore projects for creative industries, such as dancing on stage and performing in theme parks.

Spot’s modular platform is intended to be easily-configurable, with a number of accessories and add-ons available to customize its use. Participants in the Early Adopter Program tailored these capabilities to apply automation to dynamic environments and increase efficiency. Program results included:

  • Saving approximately 20 hours of work per week by automating the capture of nearly 5,000 images weekly on Quebec-based construction firm Pomerleau’s 500,000 square foot building project.
  • Increasing data-collection efficiency and safety in Hensel Phelps’ construction of Denver International Airport’s main terminal, and automating the capture of laser scans and 360-degree images to reduce the risk of return visits and project delays.
  • Leveraging computer-vision-based anomaly detection software to reduce human risk in potentially dangerous tasks for AkerBP’s energy production facilities.
  • Autonomously navigating tough, underground terrain with NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Team CoSTAR’s integrated autonomy, perception and communication tools, an application which ultimately won the most recent DARPA Subterranean Challenge Competition, the Urban Circuit.

Picture: Marlowe Fire & Security's Spot robot. Image credit: Marlowe Fire & Security.

 

Article written by Bailey Sparkes | Published 08 February 2023

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