JLR Reveals AI-Powered Robot Dog Called Rover

JLR revealed a new robot that they'll be using in their factories to support workers, utilizing AI. The robot, which looks and behaves somewhat like a dog, has been given the only name that makes sense: "Rover."

Rover lives at JLR's Coventry, England development and testing facility, where the company is doing the heavy lifting for their electric vehicle plan. Rover's main goal is to wander around the facility, checking equipment and tools for failures, wear and tear, and correct operations.

Rover makes 24 rounds of the Coventry factory every day, checking on the facility and its equipment. The AI built into the robot allows it to recognize and open doors, go up and down stairs, and maneuver through high-traffic areas without colliding into people or equipment. The robot even walks like a dog, with four legs that work in a walking motion. It can also kneel, lay down, and sway like a real dog. Instead of a head, it has a robot arm that has some dexterity to grab things. Onboard sensors can "hear," and just like a dog it can hear better than we humans can -- detecting air leaks that we could never could with natural hearing. Thermal sensors can tell if a battery is overheating and abort any dangerous procedures.

To really bring the whole aesthetic home, Rover goes to a kennel when he needs to recharge, where its 50V battery can get recharged. The robot works 24/7, and it can't get distracted like a real dog can. The downside: it's not as cuddly and fun to play with.

Rover was built in partnership with Boston Dynamics, which sells the same robot to other users under the similarly stereotypical brand name "Spot." Other users include BP, National Grid, and Turner Construction. It's one more way to use modern technology to advance research, development, and vehicle assembly. Other Rovers will be heading out soon to JLR's factories, including the flagship Solihull plant.