It will search for gas leaks and inspect workers

Jaguar Land Rover has deployed a robot dog from Boston Dynamics at its Coventry factory. And while the new guest won't be used for vehicle production, it can reveal potential performance issues and equipment wear and tear.

The robot, affectionately known as Rover, can work around the clock and only needs breaks to recharge its battery. It is configured to follow several preset routes through the electric vehicle testing center and conduct up to 24 patrols daily and nightly. Thanks to a variety of sensors and artificial intelligence, the rover can open doors, climb stairs and navigate high-traffic areas, constantly taking measurements and monitoring workflows.

According to Jaguar Land Rover, the use of a robot eliminates the risk of human error when carrying out these checks. Additionally, engineers gain time to analyze rover results to make business and maintenance forecasts or carry out repairs. The Boston Dynamics robot can even hear gas leaks that are undetectable to humans and uses heat sensors to quickly detect the temperature of devices.

The British carmaker says it is exploring the possibility of deploying a fleet of similar robots across its business, including at the company's Solihull plant, where the Range Rover Electric will be produced.

“The key to JLR’s Reimagine strategy is continuous collaboration with the brightest minds in the industry and the development of cutting-edge robotics solutions that work in harmony with our people for the uncompromising benefit of our customers,” said Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldi, JLR PhD for Automation and robotics.