Hyundai introduces robotic guard dog at factory

Hyundai Motor Group has released a video of its first robotic dog on patrol at a Kia plant in South Korea, following its purchase of US-based robotics firm Boston Dynamics.

Described as a 'Factory Safety Service Robot', the new autonomous bot is part of a pilot program that could see the doggy droids rolled out at all Kia and Hyundai plants across the globe.

Boston Dynamics is a robotics pioneer that was snapped up by the Hyundai Motor Group earlier this year, and the new robot incorporates the firm's latest artificial intelligence tech.

Created to detect fires and guard manufacturing facilities overnight, the small canine-sized robot is equipped with multiple sensors to help it carry out its nocturnal duties.

These include high-temperature sensors to identify potential fires. On-board cameras can also help the AI-driven hound to detect when a door has been left open.

Able to autonomously operate and navigate its way around the factory floor, the robot can send alarms and alerts, plus observations to office personnel who can use the droid to remotely observe parts of the factory.

Security guards can switch the robot to manual mode at any time and use the pup's 3D LiDAR or thermal cameras to investigate areas of concern.

At night the robot can also investigate parts of the plant that would be hard to inspect in low-light levels.

Claimed to have deep learning-based vision tech, plus AI that can detect people, the robo-mutt is said to have been developed to support late-night security patrols and create a safer environment.

If successful, Hyundai Group says it will deploy the robotic pups to other industrial sites.

Luckily for the those planning on trespassing on a Hyundai-owned factory, there's no plan to equip the robotic Rottweiler alternative with a working jaw and full set of sharp teeth.