JLR's latest recruit is robot dog called 'Rover' who has his own kennel

JLR's Warwickshire headquarters has welcomed an unusual new recruit named Rover, but this one won't be leaving any messes or chewing on the office furniture. This high-tech "guard dog" is a robot designed to enhance safety at the plant as JLR pushes towards electrifying its vehicle range by 2030.

Rover may share its name with man's best friend, but it's all about business, living in a "kennel" where its 50-volt battery gets charged up. The robot is a crucial part of the Gaydon site's safety protocols, tirelessly patrolling the facility 24/7 without being distracted by noise or odours and performing tasks that aim to reduce human error.

This robotic Rover doesn't need walkies and can work non-stop throughout the week, navigating pre-set paths, opening doors, climbing stairs, and avoiding busy areas with ease. It uses AI to carry out up to 24 patrols a day, inspecting equipment and taking measurements to ensure everything runs smoothly at JLR.

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For those who remember the iconic K9 from Doctor Who, JLR's Rover might bring back some memories, though this modern version comes equipped with advanced sensors to detect gas leaks and monitor battery temperatures, helping to maintain a safe environment for the human workforce.

Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldini, PhD Automation and Robotics at JLR, highlighted the importance of collaboration in innovation: "Key to JLR's Reimagine strategy is a continual collaboration with the industry's brightest minds, developing advanced robotics solutions that work in harmony with our employees for the uncompromising benefit of our clients.", reports Birmingham Live.

He further emphasised the role these partnerships play in improving workplace conditions and product quality: "Enabling our engineers to work safer and smarter, collaborations such as this one with Boston Dynamics are key. Not only are they essential in realising our ambition to electrify our Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands by 2030, they also have an important role to play in ensuring that the final vehicles that roll off the line have only the very best EV battery technology within them."

JLR disclosed its exploration into new applications for robotic dogs throughout its operations, with advancements already in motion at its Solihull factory for the launch of the anticipated Ranger Rover Electric.

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