Blenheim Palace has joined forces with the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) and Oxford Biology to test a robot dog monitoring the impact of climate change.
The robotic dog, designed by Oxford University’s Robotics Institute, is being used to gather data about the health and biodiversity of Blenheim Palace’s estate.
The Times reports that the dog, named Spot, uses hyperspectral image analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) to collect this information.
“Oxford Robotics Institute’s mission is to develop the technology necessary to allow robots to be useful in challenging environments,” said Professor Nick Hawes, the director of the Oxford Robotics Institute (via the Telegraph).
“A major part of our development process is testing our innovations in the real world, as part of field trials.”
“The estate, with its ancient woodlands, heritage sites and parkland, provides a hugely diverse environment,” added David Green, Blenheim’s head of innovation. “It’s effectively a ‘living laboratory’ where new research and technologies can be trialled and tested.
“Our goal is to use innovation to solve real-world problems across the estate and working together with experts like the ORI will allow us to do that much more effectively.
“As we face up to the challenges of climate change it is essential that we protect the estate’s unique natural heritage.
“By monitoring its ecosystem we can accurately track changes and help to mitigate them.”
Spot the robot dog uses AI to gather data
Elsewhere, Dubai’s Museum of the Future has hired its first robotic staff member, and robot security guards are being recruited at theme parks across the US.
The trial is part of Blenheim’s ongoing partnership with Oxford University. Dominic Hare, CEO of Blenheim Palace, spoke about the venue’s plans to become carbon negative at greenloop 22.
“We are clearly working very hard to attract people to emit a lot of carbon to come to us,” he said. “We felt from day one we would have to take responsibility for their Scope 3 visitor travel if we are to be carbon balanced.”
Images: Blenheim Palace
