Double Trouble: Spot and Groundhog joint collaboration

POSTED: 11 Aug, 2025

🤖💡 🏰 

Two robots, one historic courtyard, and a mission to map the future.  

On July 29, the ARIAM Hub Demonstrator Program Brought Boston Dynamics’ Spot and ACFR’s Groundhog together for a collaborative tech trial in the iconic USyd Quadrangle.  

📋 What We Set Out to Achieve 

The primary goal? Demonstrate multi-platform robotic coordination and imaging capability. The team focused on: 

• Practice dual platform operations, determine any unforeseen complexities and safety issues   

• Training operators with hands-on driving sessions 

• Test operations of Spot Payload, especially mobility and dynamics changes. Test stair climbing and descent   

• Collecting imaging data to reconstruct the Quad using Spot’s CAM/IR payload 

🧠 What’s Next
The data collected will be used to develop enhanced digital representations and inform future robotic demonstrations. The team also gained valuable insights into skill and tool gaps, paving the way for targeted training and resource planning. 

The ARIAM team continues to with collaborative trials that merge engineering, imaging, and community connection.