The robots were named Fluffy and Spot by Paula Weibelhaus, their handler at Ford.Starting in August, the robots will move through the plant and scan the facility using laser scanners attached to their backs.Ford's Fluffy robot."We design and build the plant. After that, over the years, changes are made that rarely get documented" digital engineering manager Mark Goderis said. The robots help them build a new, accurate model.
They can handle up to 30-degree inclines, walk over grates, and navigate obstacles during their two-hour battery life.Ford's other robot in the plant is Scouter, an autonomous robot that moves around the plant and captures 3D scans. Fluffy rides around on Scouter, and takes over when an area is too narrow for the larger robot.Ford played on the robot's history of comparison to a dog, with the name Fluffy, along with some toys and dog accessories.