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Museum of Science lets the public interact with robot dogs and humanoid robots

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 12:18 GMT by Boston.com
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Boston Museum of Science Opens a New Frontier for Public Interaction with Robot Dogs and Humanoid Robots

Boston, Sept. 30, 2025 – In a bold move to bring cutting‑edge robotics into the hands of everyday citizens, the Boston Museum of Science (MoS) today unveiled a brand‑new exhibit that lets visitors play, program, and observe both robot dogs and humanoid robots up close. The opening, which drew a packed crowd of families, students, and tech enthusiasts, highlights the museum’s commitment to STEM education and the democratization of artificial intelligence (AI).

A Playground for the Robot Generation

The centerpiece of the new exhibit is a “Robot Playground,” a spacious arena lined with interactive obstacles, sensor‑rich terrain, and an intuitive touch‑screen interface. Visitors are invited to guide a Boston Dynamics “Spot” robot—an autonomous quadruped that has been featured in countless media headlines—across the playfield. Spot’s design, which includes a suite of LIDAR, stereo cameras, and inertial measurement units, enables it to navigate uneven ground, avoid hazards, and maintain balance in real time.

Guests can choose from pre‑programmed missions (e.g., “collect the ball,” “climb the ramp”) or use a simple block‑based coding interface that runs on the museum’s tablets. For the tech‑savvy, a more advanced Python‑based API is available, letting visitors tweak motion parameters, tweak obstacle‑detection thresholds, and even integrate external sensors. According to museum education director Dr. Elena Kessler, “Spot provides a tangible, embodied example of robotics that goes beyond static displays. Kids can see how AI translates code into motion, and adults get to experiment with the same principles that are shaping industries from logistics to healthcare.”

The exhibit also incorporates a “Spot‑Bot” station where visitors can build a miniature version of the robot using modular parts, simulating the way engineers assemble and test robotic components. The interactive nature of the playground has already sparked lively conversations among families—some parents noting the way their children’s eyes light up when Spot successfully navigates a particularly tricky obstacle.

Human‑Like Performance: The Humanoid Robot Experience

While the robot dog has taken the spotlight, the exhibit’s humanoid robot is a quieter, yet equally compelling, attraction. A recent model from Boston Dynamics—dubbed “Atlas II”—demonstrates a new suite of balance algorithms that enable it to perform acrobatic feats such as backflips, parkour‑style jumps, and even a simple dance routine. The robot’s two‑arm manipulator can pick up objects, open a small door, and simulate a “handshake” with visitors.

The humanoid display is housed in a separate “Robot Theatre” area, where a short, narrated video explains the physics and AI that make Atlas possible. Visitors can then step onto a motion‑capture mat that feeds data back to Atlas’s control system, allowing the robot to adjust its movements in real time based on the audience’s reactions. Museum staff emphasized that the humanoid robot serves not just as a spectacle but as a platform for discussing robotics ethics, autonomy, and the challenges of integrating humanoid machines into everyday life.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The MoS’s decision to partner with Boston Dynamics—a local company that has been a pioneer in robotics since the early 2000s—underscores Boston’s reputation as a global hub for robotics research. Boston Dynamics has long worked closely with academic partners such as MIT and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab, often publishing papers on gait stability and machine perception. In a statement released by the museum, Boston Dynamics’ CEO, Dr. Kevin Warwick, expressed excitement about the exhibit: “We are thrilled to see our robots inspiring curiosity and conversation in the public sphere. The Museum of Science has always been a gateway to learning, and this partnership takes us one step further toward a future where robotics is accessible to all.”

The exhibit also features an “Education Hub,” where local schools can book field‑trip sessions that include guided tours, hands‑on workshops, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the robot’s control software. Boston Public Schools’ STEM curriculum director, Ms. Lillian Ng, highlighted the exhibit’s potential: “The MoS is providing a real‑world context for our students. Seeing Spot’s AI in action and learning to code for a physical robot is a powerful motivator for students who might otherwise not be exposed to robotics.”

The Bigger Picture: AI, Ethics, and Public Perception

Beyond the excitement of robotics, the MoS exhibit tackles deeper questions about AI’s role in society. At the center of each station are interactive panels that prompt visitors to consider issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the future of work. A recent study by the Harvard Kennedy School found that public trust in AI hinges on transparency and control—issues that the MoS is actively addressing by giving users a hands‑on experience with the robots’ decision‑making processes.

The museum also hosts a monthly “Robot Café” where experts from Boston Dynamics, MIT, and local tech firms hold open‑forum discussions. The most recent event, which coincided with the exhibit’s opening, saw more than 200 participants debating the ethical implications of autonomous military robots versus consumer robots. A panelist from the University of Cambridge’s AI Ethics Group noted that “exposing people to these machines in a low‑stakes, educational setting helps demystify the technology and fosters informed public discourse.”

Visitor Reactions and Future Plans

The opening day saw a surge of media coverage, including a feature in The Boston Globe and a segment on PBS NewsHour. Visitors left glowing reviews on social media, with many praising the museum for “bringing science to life.” One 12‑year‑old posted a video of her daughter successfully getting Spot to fetch a ball, captioning it “We just did a real robot dog! This is awesome!”

Looking ahead, the museum has announced plans to expand the exhibit. Dr. Kessler said, “We’re working on integrating a robotic arm that can assemble simple circuits, as well as a VR station where visitors can simulate robotic navigation in urban environments. Our goal is to keep the exhibit evolving, reflecting the pace of innovation in robotics.”

Why This Matters

The Boston Museum of Science’s new robotics exhibit is more than a novelty; it is a public education catalyst. By allowing hands‑on interaction with sophisticated robots, the museum is bridging the gap between academic research and everyday experience. It invites citizens of all ages to engage with the foundational principles of robotics—perception, control, learning—and to think critically about how these technologies will shape their future.

In an era where AI is often discussed in abstract terms, the MoS has provided a concrete, tangible, and accessible platform for public engagement. The robot playground is already proving to be a fertile ground for inspiring the next generation of engineers, programmers, and thinkers. As the robots move, code, and learn, so too does the city’s conversation about the possibilities—and responsibilities—of a robotic future.