Science gets its own best friend - 2nd October 2020

This is Scar, a four-legged robotic dog. Its owner is Mines Nancy, one of the leading engineering schools in France. It bought the dog from a robotics firm based in Boston, USA.

Mines Nancy’s purchase of Scar is one element of a wider plan. It intends to develop the latest technologies using cutting edge science.

In line with this, its engineers have adapted Scar’s features to help it navigate. Scar can travel through difficult environments and report on its observations. It now uses 5 built in cameras to check its surroundings and measure their dimensions.

Scar’s design has advantages over humanoid robots. Its shape allows it to move effectively across uneven terrain.

Mines Nancy is now working with private and public organizations. They are developing applications for the robot. They hope to use it to replace humans in dangerous and complex environments.

Scar’s first role could be to assist ANDRA, the French national agency which manages radioactive waste. The robot will be able to work at the head of large tunnel cutting machines, where humans are not allowed.