Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has introduced a surprising new colleague at its Coventry electric vehicle (EV) facility: a four-legged robotic dog named Rover. The robot plays a key role in JLR’s goal to electrify all of its brands by 2030.
Rover, developed by Boston Dynamics, patrols the facility 24/7, ensuring smooth operations. It monitors thousands of assets, spots potential issues, and helps maintain the test schedules. Unlike a regular dog, Rover uses AI to open doors, climb stairs, and inspect high-traffic areas. It can even “hear” gas leaks and check battery temperatures using advanced thermal sensors.
Rover performs 24 patrols daily, eliminating human error while giving engineers more time to analyze results and make informed decisions. When not working, it recharges in its “kennel” at the plant. This tireless robot is crucial to JLR’s preparations for launching the Range Rover Electric.
JLR’s head of automation, Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldini, emphasized that collaborations like the one with Boston Dynamics are essential for the company’s electrification plans. He added that robotics will play a key role in ensuring top-notch EV battery technology in the final vehicles.
JLR’s £18 billion Reimagine strategy also includes innovative technologies like plasma cleaning robots. These robots clean battery cells by removing dust particles invisible to the human eye. JLR expects to deploy Rover and other robotic innovations globally, including at the Solihull plant, where the Jaguar electric era will soon begin.
