EYE-OPENER
Metal detective
It’s a striking sight: a four-legged, high-tech robot patrolling the streets of the ancient city of Pompeii. The machine – nicknamed Spot, because of its dog-like appearance – is able to identify cracks, erosion and other signs of damage at the archaeological site.
The ruins of the city, which was famously buried beneath volcanic ash after Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, have repeatedly been targeted by thieves, and the robot can also search for tunnels dug during attempts to steal historical artefacts. Weighing just 25kg and with 360-degree vision, “Spot” can be controlled remotely or programmed to follow set routes.
The robot, created by American engineering firm Boston Dynamics, is not the only innovation being trialled in a bid to preserve the Unesco World Heritage Site. Its custodians have also deployed a flying laser scanner that can create 3D images of the city from the air.
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