Payload: Boston Dynamics Spot CORE I/O

What is SPOT Core I/O?

A payload serves to give a robotic platform a wider range of connection possibilities. And the Boston Dynamics SPOT Core I/O has a Jetson Xavier NX processor with a GPU for handling all the calculations required to operate the various accessories you’re now able to add.

In addition to improving connectivity and computing power, it has a rugged design that delivers high protection against dust and water ingress. In addition, the Spot robot payload promises high data communication security: SSD disk encryption, TLS network encryption, user authentication, etc.

What can I use my Spot robot payload for?

With this Spot robot payload, you get:

• Sufficiently high computing and graphics power to handle video output and data from various sensors
• Configurable inputs and outputs: GPIO, PWM, I2C, etc.
• Numerous communication ports: Ethernet and USB
• Additional connectivity with the optional 5G/LTE antenna
• The possibility to install a laser range finder

Technical specifications of the Spot Core I/O

• Jetson Xavier NX processor
  • CPU: 6-core NVIDIA Carmel ARM V8.2 64-bit CPU with 6 MB Lw + 4 MB L3 cache
  • GPU: 384-core NVIDIA Volta GPU with 48 Tensor cores
  • Memory: 16 GB 128-bit LPDDR4x @ 51.2 GB/s
• Storage temperature: -40 to 70 °C
• Operating temperature: -20 to +45 °C
• Ingress protection (moisture, dust): IP54
• Connectivity and storage:
  • 5G/LTE: user-installable SIM card
  • Ethernet: GbE interface, 2 additional Ethernet ports for extended connectivity
  • USB 3.1: 2 USB 3.1 ports with support for 4.5 W
  • USB-C: 1 USB-C port with support for 50 W power delivery and video out
  • SD card: 1 slot
• E-Stop interface (emergency stop switches)
• PPS output
• GPIO (configurable to PWM output)
• I2C ports
• Power outputs:
  • 48 V or robot battery voltage for Spot Explorer
  • 24 V, 50 W
  • 12 V, 50 W
  • 5 V, 30 W
• Security:
  • Disk encryption: SSD with standard LUKS technology
  • Network encryption: TLS 1.2 and 1.3
  • Authentication: access to services restricted to authenticated users
  • Secure boot: tamper-proof filesystem with hardware root of trust
  • Firmware verification: firmware updates must be cryptographically signed
• Dimensions:
  • 224 x 173 x 246 mm (with antenna)
  • 224 x 173 x 64 mm (without antenna)

SPOT Core I/O Resources

• Datasheet