Spot robot. Credit: prnewwire/prnewsphoto/Farmers Insurance/Boston Dynamics.

US-based Farmers Insurance has unveiled plans to use a digitally controlled robot for in-field catastrophe claims handling and non-catastrophe property inspections.

Called Spot, the robot has been developed by Boston Dynamics and customised for the insurer. It is slated to join the company’s claims team by the fall of 2021.

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Spot will be used to assess damage from catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires.

Farmers Insurance stated that Spot will be able to navigate through spaces and environments that are not accessible to claims personnel.

The robot will be equipped with sensors, cameras, and site documentation software, which will allow it to capture data and help in the claims review process.

In future, Spot may also be used in events such as structure fires, collapsed structures, water loss, or other potentially hazardous environments.

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Farmers Insurance head of claims strategy and automation Samantha Santiago said: “Farmers focus on enhancing human-powered technology has led the organization to this very exciting milestone where we’re able to utilize new and emerging technology like a robot to further strengthen our commitment to our customers, all while helping to keep our employees safe.

“Adding such a dynamic robot to our stock of evolving tech – such as drones and satellite imagery – will help us build on our legacy and deepen our commitment to customers.”

Farmers Insurance and Farmers are tradenames for a group of insurers providing a wide range of insurance and financial services products.

Last month, insurtech start-up Koop Technologies, which specialises in autonomous vehicle and robotics risks, raised $2.5m in a seed funding round.