Voice Command Navigation for the Boston Dynamics Spot Robot
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This project investigates natural-language control of autonomous mobile robots through the development of a voice-command navigation system for the Boston Dynamics Spot robot. I developed a Python-based pipeline that converts spoken input to text, interprets a user’s requested destination, matches natural-language location names to predefined waypoints, and generates navigation commands that interface with Spot’s GraphNav system. I created and processed a mapped environment in Sitterson Hall as a graph of waypoints and edges, allowing Spot to localize itself within the map and autonomously navigate between named destinations. The system integrates speech processing, language-based command interpretation, map management, localization, and autonomous navigation into a single workflow. I also began migrating the system from a laptop-based implementation to an NVIDIA Jetson connected to Spot, with the goal of supporting onboard processing and a more self-contained robotic system. This work provides a foundation for connecting human friendly interfaces with autonomous navigation systems and for future integration of external geographic data, such as latitude/longitude coordinates and routes, with Spot’s internal representation of physical environments.
Source: UNC Libraries
DOI: 10.17615/53cf-nb26
Author: Alexa Tinajero
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Topic: Speech and dialogue systems
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203865781
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