Boston Dynamics’ robot dog outfitted with Blackline Safety gas detector
Blackline Safety has announced a partnership with MFE Inspection Solutions to integrate their cloud-connected portable gas detector with Boston Dynamics’ industrial mobile robot, Spot.
In a press release published on Robotics Tomorrow on 11 June, it was reported that the solution "extends connected gas detection into robotic workflows, instantly delivering gas readings, alerts and location data to remote monitoring teams, before sending personnel into potentially dangerous areas".
"Gas detection is critical for safety," said Dylan Duke, chief executive officer of MFE Inspection Solutions. "And teams are no longer limited to collecting that data only when a person enters the area.
"Robots like Spot are already being used to collect inspection data remotely in hazardous environments. This solution adds real-time gas detection to those workflows, giving operators insight into gas hazards before deciding how and when to send people in."
The solution lets operators view gas readings and alerts in Blackline Safety’s software, directly on the Spot tablet during operation, providing real-time awareness in the field. It also triggers automated return-to-home actions when defined gas thresholds are detected, helping teams move Spot out of hazardous conditions and protect site personnel.
"This is about connecting technologies customers are already using and making them more useful together," said Christine Gillies, chief product and marketing officer of Blackline Safety. "MFE has built the digital plumbing to connect Spot with Blackline’s connected gas detection platform, adding another layer to worker protection while giving organisations critical exposure data as it happens, not after the fact like with traditional monitors, so they can make informed decisions in the moment."
Teams can use a wide range of hot-swappable, configurable, cartridge-based sensors that can be tailored to different environments and applications:
- Oil and gas operators can use it to monitor combustible gases like methane or LEL conditions
- Semiconductor facilities can use it to detect gases like ammonia
- Chemical processing plants can use it to monitor for toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), carbon monoxide (CO), or sulphur dioxide (SO₂)
"Spot’s thermal, acoustic and visual inspection abilities provide AI-powered predictive insights into facility health," said Merry Frayne, senior director of product at Boston Dynamics. "Integrating the Blackline Safety portable device gives process manufacturers an even more complete picture of their site while keeping people out of harm’s way."
