Trimble & Boston Dynamics Partner for Robotics

Oct. 20, 2020

Trimble and Boston Dynamics will integrate a variety of construction data collection technologies with Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot platform. The jointly-developed solution will combine the Spot robot’s autonomous mobility with Trimble’s data collection sensors and field control software to enable automation of site scans, surveying, and progress monitoring. The relationship gives Trimble exclusivity to sell and support the Spot robot with integrated scanning, total station, and GNSS technologies for the construction market. 

Trimble technologies integrated with the robot will enable accurate, scalable, and rapid data acquisition while Trimble’s construction collaboration platforms provide a continuous flow of information between field and office. In addition, customers will benefit from local support and service from Trimble and its distribution partners. 

Mortenson, a U.S. builder, developer, and engineering services provider headquartered in Minneapolis, is one of the first customers to use this new technology combination. The team has been piloting Spot robots with Trimble’s SPS986 GNSS solutions to autonomously navigate challenging exterior construction environments to continuously document existing site conditions. 

“We believe the combination of Trimble’s experience and industry leadership in construction  technologies and Boston Dynamics’ Spot can transform the way the industry operates,” said Michael Perry, vice president of business development at Boston Dynamics. “The integrated solution will enable any job site leader to deploy Spot and Trimble technologies to get an accurate view of construction progress through real-time data collection.”