Meet Scotland’s Whisky-Sniffing Robot Dog

Wired

by Christopher Null

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Scotland’s whisky industry faces a significant challenge: wooden barrels often leak, either through liquid spills or excessive evaporation, known as “the angel’s share.” To combat this issue, Bacardi Limited, owner of Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky, has turned to an innovative solution—a Boston Dynamics Spot robot equipped with an ethanol sensor. This mechanical dog patrols the towering warehouses, detecting barrels that are losing too much whisky through vapor or liquid leaks. While evaporation is a natural part of whisky maturation, high levels of it can harm both the quantity and quality of the product, especially when barrels are damaged or improperly sealed. Traditional methods for identifying leaks involve workers knocking on barrels to check their contents, but this approach is impractical in Dewar’s massive warehouses, where barrels are stacked too high and tightly to allow manual inspection. The robot dog fills this gap by using a 3D-printed arm with an ethanol sensor to detect vapor levels around each barrel. If a barrel is identified as leaking, it can be addressed before significant losses occur. This technology not only improves efficiency but also ensures that the whisky remains of high quality. The use of robotics in whisky production highlights the growing trend of automation in industries where traditional methods are no longer sufficient. While the robot dog may seem like a futuristic solution, its ability to navigate challenging warehouse environments and detect leaks with precision makes it a practical tool for maintaining product integrity. The partnership between Bacardi and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) underscores how innovation is being harnessed to solve age-old problems in the spirits industry. For tech enthusiasts, this development showcases the potential of robotics in sectors beyond traditional applications like manufacturing or delivery. By integrating advanced sensors and mobility, robots can address complex challenges in industries like food and beverage, where precision and efficiency are critical. The whisky-sniffing robot dog may just be the start of a new era where technology enhances tradition, ensuring that every drop of Scotland’s iconic spirit is

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Originally published on Wired on 2/20/2026