JACKSON, Mich. — It may not be furry and definitely doesn't care if you have treats, but "Spot" the "dog" definitely won't need anyone to clean up after it.
On National Dog Day, Consumers Energy is celebrating its mobile robot dog, Spot, who has been patrolling electric substations and identifying potential issues with the electric grid since 2021.
Spot is based in Jackson and uses a series of sensors to get its work done at the substations. It has a thermal camera that can identify "hot spots" and other cameras that can read meters or even determine if workers are wearing the correct personal protective equipment.
When Spot is deployed to substations, its key role is to gather data and send that back to Consumers Energy to identify minor issues before it becomes a major issue or even results in an equipment failure.
Spot can navigate the substations autonomously using a programmed schedule to inspect the equipment, Consumers Energy said. And after it is has completed the inspection, Spot returns to a "doghouse" where it recharges and sends back its results to the electric control center.
Spot was the result of a collaboration between Consumers Energy, Boston Dynamics and Levatas.
"We know Spot isn’t as cuddly as some of our furry friends that we’re celebrating today. But let’s give him – and all of our four-legged companions – a round of a-paws," Consumers Energy said in a statement.
