A ROBOTIC dog which is assisting National Highways could arrive near Wellington and West Somerset as it works across the region’s road network.

Spot the robot dog is the creation of engineering firm Boston Dynamics, and it is currently being trialled for use in geotechnical surveys.

Spot’s robot eyes are able to capture images across rough terrain and difficult to reach areas across the county’s M5 motorway and A roads.

After a period of testing in Moreton-in-Marsh, Spot has already begun work on the M5 where it is said to be helping resolve problems faced by geotechnical inspectors.

Spot, the robotic dog, with the trial team, from left, Callum Whitfield from BAM, Guy Swains, National Highways’ South West Engineering Team Manager, James Codd, AECOM’s Associate Director of Ground Engineering, and National Highways’ Principal Engineer David Hayward
Spot, the robotic dog, with the trial team, from left, Callum Whitfield from BAM, Guy Swains, National Highways’ South West Engineering Team Manager, James Codd, AECOM’s Associate Director of Ground Engineering, and National Highways’ Principal Engineer David Hayward (National Highways)

Guy Swains, Engineering Manager within National Highways’ South West Geotechnical team, said: “The initial, ‘proof of concept’ testing has been encouraging and we’re now live trialling the robotic tool with a view to utilising it via our contractors in future survey work, particularly in locations which present challenges for our traditional methods.

“As part of an ongoing exploration, Spot’s capabilities will be tested over a variety of terrains and environments and in differing weather and ground conditions.

“The data from the trials will also be captured and analysed and dependent on results, hopefully we’ll be able to measure an improvement in safety methods and efficiencies and employ the technology in our future work.”