Boston Dynamics unveils its fur-covered dancing robot dog 'Sparkles'
What's the story
US-based Boston Dynamics, a leading robotics company, recently showcased its Spot Mini robot dog, donning a unique fur suit. The firm refers to this as a "custom costume," aimed at exploring the intersection of robotics, art, as well as entertainment. The once futuristic-looking quadruped has now been reimagined into a puppet named "Sparkles." Here's everything we know about it.
Public response
Online community reacts to 'Sparkles' reveal
The unveiling of 'Sparkles' elicited a range of reactions from the online community. One user humorously commented, "Everybody wants to pet the dog until its neck extends four feet." Another one exclaimed, "Finally we have done it. Humans have invented: dog." However, Boston Dynamics has yet to clarify the specific purpose of this furry robot.
Dance performance
'Sparkles' dances in debut video
In the debut video, 'Sparkles' is seen dancing alongside an unadorned Spot Mini robot. The pair perform various moves, including swaying side to side and touching noses. Boston Dynamics is known for demonstrating its robots' agility through dance videos, such as a 2018 video featuring their Spot robot dog dancing to Mark Ronson's hit song "Uptown Funk."
Functionality
Practical uses of 'Sparkles' remain unclear
The practical applications of 'Sparkles' are yet to be defined, particularly in contexts like children's parties. This reveal comes just two weeks after Boston Dynamics introduced its latest bipedal robot, a lighter and more streamlined successor to its Atlas model. One user humorously suggested, "I want a whole season of 'dogs reacting to Sparkles.'"