Dexter, the robotic dog, capable of detecting and tracking people
A dog that forms part of the robotics assets available at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone campus is capable of tracking.
Dexter is a Go2 quadruped robot developed by Unitree and forms part of the assets at the Software Research Institute (SRI) and COMAND, within TUS.
Dexter has been customised with additional features and controls to support demonstrations, education, and applied research.
Business Development & Software Engineer Franklin Silva explained: "At present, Dexter is used for public engagement, helping us showcase the capabilities of modern robotics — such as terrain navigation, object tracking, voice command response, and real-time environmental mapping.
"More importantly, he serves as a compelling example of the potential of AI and robotics in action, highlighting what can be achieved not only with Dexter, but with robotic platforms in general. He plays a key role in demonstrating to students and industry partners the types of solutions possible through automation, perception, and intelligent decision-making — particularly within smart manufacturing and applied R&D, which are major focus areas at COMAND."
Franklin added: "While Dexter is not currently used in our imitation learning research, our team has applied these techniques to other robotic platforms, enabling them to learn from human behaviour — a vital step in the evolution of adaptive, intelligent systems. Dexter is also equipped with a camera and onboard sensors, enabling potential applications in infrastructure inspection, surveillance, and security. With AI integration, robots like Dexter can detect and track people, monitor their surroundings, and operate in complex or hazardous environments."
Dexter operates within the Software Research Institute (SRI) and COMAND — Meáin Nasctha | Connected Media, both based at the TUS Athlone Campus.
The SRI has led applied research since 2006 in areas such as digital media communications, cybersecurity, cloud-edge computing, robot learning and smart manufacturing. In 2013, this work led to the creation of COMAND, an Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27.
Together, SRI and COMAND form a vibrant innovation hub of over 30 engineers, researchers, and PhD students. The team, based at TUS Athlone, delivers rapid prototyping and near-to-market R&D across AI, machine learning, robotics, AR/VR, telecommunications, and IoT (Internet of Things) - helping businesses and research partners solve real-world challenges.
"As part of Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway Network, COMAND provides companies with cost-effective access to research expertise, allowing them to test and refine digital technologies without having to expand internal development teams," Franklin explained.