In a groundbreaking move, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has deployed an advanced robotic guard dog, dubbed “Rover,” to patrol its electric vehicle (EV) testing facility in Coventry. The futuristic addition highlights JLR’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its £18 billion Reimagine strategy, which aims to electrify all its vehicle brands by 2030.
At the heart of JLR’s rigorous testing environment, Rover stands as a tireless sentinel, completing up to 24 patrols a day. Unlike traditional guard dogs, this AI-powered robot from Boston Dynamics operates 24/7 without distraction, ensuring that the facility’s high-tech equipment runs at optimal performance. Rover’s primary role includes monitoring and inspecting critical machinery and assessing the temperature of test batteries, adding an extra layer of safety and reliability.
Rover is far from a mere novelty. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and AI, this quadruped robot opens doors, climbs stairs, and navigates congested areas with precision. Its advanced thermal sensors swiftly detect potential hazards like overheating batteries, allowing engineers to act quickly. Additionally, Rover can “hear” gas leaks that human ears might miss, further boosting environmental safety at the plant.
JLR engineers are benefiting greatly from Rover’s capabilities, freeing up their time to focus on data analysis and equipment maintenance rather than routine inspections. The robot’s continuous surveillance reduces the risk of human error and accelerates the detection of early-stage equipment wear and tear, keeping development on schedule for JLR’s much-anticipated Range Rover Electric launch.
“Rover represents a new era in how we optimize safety and efficiency,” said Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldini, PhD in Automation and Robotics at JLR. “Our collaboration with Boston Dynamics allows us to work smarter and safer while driving forward our electrification goals.”
The Lyons Park facility, where Rover is stationed, is a key player in JLR’s larger strategy to revolutionize luxury vehicles. In addition to Rover, the plant is home to other innovative technologies, including plasma-cleaning robots that prepare EV battery cells for bonding by removing microscopic dust particles.
As JLR moves toward the launch of the all-electric Range Rover and the pure-electric Jaguar GT, Rover’s success in Coventry is leading the company to consider deploying a fleet of robotic quadrupeds across its global operations. These robots are set to play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of EV safety and performance, as JLR continues to shape the future of luxury electric vehicles.
The future for JLR looks highly automated—and Rover is leading the charge.
