BOSTON – As Boston Dynamics transitions from hydraulic to electric robots powered by lithium-ion batteries, e-Hazard, a leader in arc flash and electrical safety training, consulted with Mike Brock of Immersed Technologies to assist in an electrical safety gap analysis.
Brock served as an electrical safety consultant for e-Hazard, working alongside Kenneth Case, Boston Dynamics’ Environmental Health and Safety Manager, to enhance safety protocols across the company’s robotics facilities.
Over two days, Brock visited four Boston Dynamics sites, including headquarters, lab facilities, and operational hubs in Waltham and Billerica, Massachusetts. The gap analysis addressed safety requirements, enhancements, and recommendations for the electric Spot, Stretch, and next-generation Atlas robots, each with distinct lithium-ion battery architectures ranging from 50 to 100 volts DC.
Key recommendations included strategies for mitigating thermal runaway risks, using secure lockers and absorbent materials for abused battery packs, and implementing quarantine protocols for faulty equipment.
Strengthening Electrical Safety Protocols
During the visit, the team focused on high-priority safety improvements, such as:
- Battery Development Room Safety: Enhanced protocols for lithium-ion battery assembly, disassembly, and storage.
- HiPot Testing: Introducing enhanced procedures and enclosures for high-potential testing to assess dielectric insulation properties.
- Emergency Preparedness: Establishing robust Electrical Safety Programs, written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and emergency response plans.
- Workplace Best Practices: Validating the continued use of fire blankets, secure lockers, and vermiculite-filled containers for battery safety, as well as recommending the proper procedures and spacing for indoor charging of multiple Stretch robots.
The team also reviewed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies, emphasizing daily inspections for rubber-insulating gloves and two-person work rules for high-voltage tasks. Additionally, they addressed the risks of arc hazards that can be caused by non-qualified personnel, underscoring the importance of controlled access to high-voltage equipment and additional electrical hazard awareness training for non-qualified personnel.
Setting the Standard for Robotic Safety
The collaboration highlighted Boston Dynamics’ commitment to maintaining safety as they introduce electric robots for commercial applications. The electric Atlas robot, featuring advanced high-voltage battery systems, joins Spot and Stretch in pushing the boundaries of robotics innovation. From performing autonomous inspections to streamlining warehouse operations, these robots represent the future of mobile robotics.
“This collaboration represents a critical step forward in preparing Boston Dynamics for the unique challenges of integrating electric robots into their operations,” Brock said. “By leveraging e-Hazard’s safety expertise and my hands-on experience, we’re helping to set a standard for safely integrating advanced robotics in manufacturing and industrial environments.”
As lithium-ion technology becomes central to robotics, this partnership underscores the importance of comprehensive safety measures. By addressing electrical and battery safety at every stage—from R&D to operations—e-Hazard and Brock are ensuring Boston Dynamics’ cutting-edge innovations are as safe as they are groundbreaking.