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Sparkles the dancing dog: cute or creepy? (Photo Credits: YouTube)
Although Spot was recognizable and well-known, Sparkles engaged viewers.
Robot dogs are used in the workplace for tasks including security, public safety and inspections. The market for four-legged robots is becoming more competitive. Scientists are trying to improve vision, movement and navigation skills by using neural networks, a type of AI framework where algorithms used for machine learning are organized similar to neurons in the human brain. One thing, however, we did not anticipate they would perform so soon was dancing. The Boston Dynamics crew developed a robot dog called Sparkles for International Dance Day. Styled as a glowing blue muppet, Sparkles displayed some pretty impressive skills.
“Spot is to meet another stranger and make friends through the power of dance. Meet Sparkles! ” wrote the robotics company in the caption accompanying the video, which gathered over 1 million views.
They further stated that Sparkles is a special outfit made for Spot to explore how robots, art and entertainment are connected.
The dogs appear to exchange a kiss before bursting into dance. Although Spot was recognizable and well-known, Sparkles engaged viewers. For the cheeky, Spot is Boston Dynamics’ trademark four-legged robot dog.
Watch the video here:
However, users in the comments section were not impressed.
A user wrote, “Everyone wants to pet the dog until its neck stretches 4 feet.”
Another said, “The fact that this thing could extend its neck several feet and open doors is a scary thought.”
Meanwhile, someone in the comments section explained, “As if it wasn’t scary enough to imagine a post-apocalyptic world where a robot dog, with a chainsaw, hunts you down as you huddle for warmth under the floorboards of your hut . Now instead of cold plastic and steel, you’re greeted with a sparkling face brandishing the same chainsaw. my god.”
According to Metro.uk, Boston Dynamics’ dance-specific system Choreographer was used to train the dogs. The technology was designed with the entertainment and media industries in mind.
The entertaining routine showcases the sophisticated algorithms designed to maximize the machine’s accuracy, balance and overall mobility.
The new video was released shortly after Boston Dynamics retired its Atlas robot and unveiled its replacement, Atlas 2.0.
