A robot dog, named ‘Spot’, took centre stage at the recent ConteQ Expo24 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, showcasing cutting-edge technology that South Korea seeks to co-operate with partners including Qatar.
Developed by Hyundai Engineering and Construction of South Korea, Spot represents the forefront of technological innovation and its presence at the event underscored South Korea's strategic interest in collaborating with partners like Qatar in pioneering advancements.
Hyundai E & C unveiled Spot at the expo as part of its ongoing testing phase, according to the embassy. Since 2021, Spot has been integral to various projects, including housing developments, tunnels, and building constructions, highlighting its skill in integrating advanced software and operating systems tailored for construction environments.
Spot’s capabilities have been described as impressive, covering the acquisition of crucial digital data essential for managing construction sites effectively. Equipped with 360-degree panoramic cameras, Spot monitors site safety and quality.
Laser scanners enable the capture of point cloud data, facilitating comparisons between as-built conditions and 3D design models. In addition, environment sensors detect hazardous gases, low oxygen levels, and high carbon monoxide, enhancing safety measures, especially in confined spaces.
A highlight of Spot’s functionality lies in its ability to autonomously record precise time, location co-ordinates, and metadata for every data point collected. This capability lays the foundation for constructing a comprehensive digital twin environment, where Spot and other mobile robots contribute daily to the accumulation of digital data.
The deployment of Spot in Qatar is symbolic of the deepening co-operation between Qatar an South Korea in the field of advanced technologies, the embassy noted. It added that during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit in 2023, discussions between the leaders of both nations stressed expanding collaborative efforts, particularly in Science and Technology sectors.
The company announced that it is actively developing a spectrum of robot technologies tailoured for future construction sites. Apart from Spot, the company is pioneering patrol, working, and 3D printing robots, each designed to optimise operational efficiencies and enhance project outcomes.
Future plans include integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into Spot's operations. Vision AI systems will analyse photos captured by Spot to identify and flag quality issues, while generative AI capabilities will autonomously generate construction reports on weekly basis, minimising human intervention.
Hyundai E & C unveiled Spot at the expo as part of its ongoing testing phase (supplied pictures).