Robot dog is latest JLR recruit as car giant reveals 'Rover' - who has his very own kennel

It has four legs and is called - appropriately enough - Rover. But the new safety recruit at Midland car giant JLR is never going to chew the furniture or leave a puddle in the corner of the room.

Because the latest "guard dog" at the company's Warwickshire base is more computer than canine - despite living in a "kennel" where its 50-volt battery can be recharged. Rover the robot is said to be a key part of safety measures at the Gaydon plant as the luxury brand aims to electrify all its brands by the turn of the decade.

Unlike a regular workers - whether four-legged or two - Rover can operate around-the-clock, seven-days-a-week, undistracted by loud sounds, unusual sights or smells. Fully automated to follow a range of pre-set routes, Rover conducts up to 24 patrols each day and night, using AI to open doors, climb stairs and navigate high-traffic areas. It continuously takes measurements and inspects valves and machinery, said by JLR to "eliminate the risk of human error in these tasks".

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And if Rover reminds those of a certain age of Doctor Who's faithful K9 from the 1970s, this mechanical mutt is also laden with onboard sensors - ‘hearing’ potential gas leaks that would otherwise not be sensed by human ears, and using thermal sensors to evaluate battery temperatures quickly, ensuring technicians can continue their work safely.

Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldini, PhD Automation and Robotics at JLR: “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.

Rover the Boston Dynamics robot dog at JLR's Warwickshire facility with handler Felicity.
Rover the Boston Dynamics robot dog at JLR's Warwickshire facility with handler Felicity.

"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 said it was now investigating future uses for a fleet of robotic dogs across its business. This includes at its Solihull plant where it said preparations were well underway for the launch of Ranger Rover Electric.