Farmers Insurance is planning to use a digitally controlled robot to help with claims handling and inspections.
“Spot,” created by Boston Dynamics, known for its viral robot videos, and customized for Farmers, a P&C insurer, is the first collaboration of its kind.
The robot will be delivered to the Southern California-based company in mid-October and two employees will be trained to operate it. Farmers expects to deploy Spot in the Southern California area, but Spot is portable and can travel if necessary.
Samantha Santiago, head of claims strategy and automation at Farmers, said that Spot will be an addition to claims adjusters.
“We know that technology doesn’t remove the interactions of humans, we view it as a way to complement and enhance our current processes,” Santiago said. “Farmers was an early adopter of drones, and as you can imagine, flying in the air can be tough, so we wanted to leverage technology that is more on the ground to help employees and customers.”
She said that after learning about the work Boston Dynamics is doing the more it seemed like a natural fit for Farmers. Santiago said the first step after receiving Spot is to ensure the two operators are well trained.
“We are spending time with them learning the tech and training with Boston Dynamics,” she said. “We are going to test the robot in various scenarios, things like fires and structural damage. We believe that we can leverage Spot’s agility, mobility and ability to navigate.”
Spot is equipped with sensors and cameras, specifically a 360-degree camera and site documentation software, which will likely reduce the claims review process. Spot may also help Farmers employees collect data as the robot can reach areas that a person may not.
"Spot can be a useful tool in assisting with catastrophe claims and property inspections because of its enhanced mobility and dynamic sensing capabilities,” said a Boston Dynamics spokesperson. “Spot goes where wheeled robots cannot and can traverse uneven terrain, navigate inside buildings and cramped facilities, and provide detailed visuals in environments that could be hazardous to humans. The robot is also outfitted with specialized payloads like a PTZ and thermal camera that provides a 360-degree field of view for more detailed inspections, and the Spot Arm attachment can be used to open doors and to grasp, lift, carry, or drag objects."
Spot will likely be used to assess damages from catastrophes and natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires but Farmers may use the robot in other scenarios including various hazardous and collapsed structures.
Santiago said safety is top of mind for Farmers and that Spot will be able to venture into places that are not safe for employees but the company plans to continue to scout claims and evaluate each situation.
“We are most excited about testing it. … We are excited to see if Spot can venture to places that are tough to go to or not safe,” she said.
Additionally, Farmers may also use Spot in other areas like helping first responders in certain situations such as assessing safety and search and rescue.
Santiago added: “As we bring Spot on, we will talk to first responders and leverage this technology and benefit us all.”
