---
title: "Boston Dynamics (Spot)"
slug: "spot2"
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-19T02:26:15Z
published: 2026-10-19T02:26:15Z
canonical: "knowledge.emesent.com/spot2"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.emesent.com/articles/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Boston Dynamics (Spot)

The Spot Cage for Hovermap mounts [Hovermap](/v1/docs/test-1) securely on a Boston Dynamics Spot robot for mapping missions.

> [!WARNING]
> The Spot Cage ships with two plastic packaging bumpers. Remove both bumpers before use. If the bumpers stay on, they can block the Hovermap sensors.

The Spot Cage has these features:

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Protection | The enclosure is engineered to safeguard the Hovermap in the event of a fall from a standing position. |
| Fewer blind spots | The enclosure is strategically designed to minimize blind spots in Hovermap scans, enabling more comprehensive and accurate mapping results. |
| Compact design | The enclosure adds little width and height to the Spot robot, so the robot stays agile. |
| Vibration isolation | A vibration isolation system gives point clouds with a precision similar to handheld scans. |
| Power and data connection | Hovermap gets power directly from the Spot battery through the General Expansion Payload (GXP). This connection also prepares for future data offload through the Spot dock. |
| Space for more sensors | Other sensors can be mounted on the Spot robot at the same time, with no loss of function. Examples include CAM, CAM+, CAM+IR, CORE I/O, EAP2, and gas, noise, vibration, and RBD/thermal sensors. |
| Full battery life | Capture data for the full battery life of the Spot robot with no loss of map quality. |

## Specifications

| Specification | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Weight | 5.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 400L × 190W × 280H mm [2 3/16 × 3 5/32 × 6 1/8 in] |
| Robot mount | Forward mounted on Spot using the payload rail system + Spot Arm mounting points |
| Hovermap compatibility | [Hovermap ST](/v1/docs/hovermap-specifications) Hovermap ST-X |
| LRR compatibility | Yes (optional). See [Long Range Radio](/v1/docs/long-range-radio). Antenna mounting kits for 2.4 GHz and 915 MHz are available for external mounting. Remove the [colorization mount](/v1/docs/colorization-1) before use. |
| Power | M12 cable for the Spot GXP HD15 port (regulated 24V) Hovermap power cable (ST/ST-X) |
| Materials (Spot Cage) | 5052 aluminum sheet metal 6061-T6 aluminum machined parts 316 stainless steel ribs (powder coated) Nylon PA6 / Nylon 12 electronics enclosure 304 SS fasteners (black oxide coated) ABS/PC-like polyurethane resin fan shroud PLA fan shroud bolt sleeves |
| Materials (GXP Riser) | 304 stainless steel sheet metal 304 stainless steel fasteners |

## Software requirements

Hovermap software: version 3.1 or later. See [Supported devices and compatibility](/v1/docs/supported-devices-compatibility).

Spot firmware: version 3.3.x

## Common tasks

| Task | Article |
| --- | --- |
| Check the package contents and the tools necessary | [Package contents and requirements](/v1/docs/package-contents-requirements-1) |
| Check the environmental limits and safety guidelines | [Limitations and safety](/v1/docs/limitations-safety-1) |
| Install the cage and attach Hovermap | [Install the Hovermap Spot Cage](/v1/docs/installation-1) |
| Pair Hovermap with Spot and create the Start Scan action | [Configuration and setup](/v1/docs/configuration-setup-1) |
| Run a scan in Drive mode or Autowalk mode | [Run a scanning mission with Spot and Hovermap](/v1/docs/operating-the-system-1) |