Spot the robotic dog

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly emerged at the forefront of many technologies and has the potential to fundamentally change the way we live, work and interact with our surroundings. The latest application of AI can be found in a robotic dog called Spot. Unlike his namesake in the famous children's book, who hides from his mum in a basket, robotic Spot is used to inspect the ruins of ancient Pompeii to identify structural and safety issues in precarious underground tunnels dug by relic thieves. Spot is capable of inspecting small spaces while "gathering and recording data useful for the study and planning interventions," according to authorities of Pompeii archaeological park. 

No doubt AI will find applicability in many more technologies, scientific fields and impact our daily lives. As this field continues to rapidly grow, it will be critical to effectively protect its associated intellectual property.