6-01-2023 11:47am

Robotic Dog "Spot" added to the LAPD Police Force

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to incorporate Boston Dynamics' robotic dog known as "Spot" into the Los Angeles Police Department. At a cost of nearly $280,000, the quadruped bot will be used in settings such as active shooter incidents, explosives assessment, hostage situations, and search and rescue operations. Though some have expressed concern that this technology may be misused for surveillance or targeting in certain communities, the LAPD believes it is a valuable addition that can help protect citizens and officers alike.

The move has sparked debate among civil rights groups and privacy advocates, who are concerned about the potential for abuse. Some worry that the use of robotic dogs in law enforcement could lead to an increase in militarization and a further erosion of civil liberties.

However, supporters of the move argue that the use of robots in law enforcement can help keep officers out of harm's way while improving response times and accuracy in high-pressure situations. They also note that Spot is equipped with a range of sensors that can gather valuable data that can be used to improve public safety and emergency preparedness.

In addition to its use in law enforcement, Boston Dynamics' Spot has also been used in industrial settings for tasks such as inspecting pipelines and assessing hazardous environments. The company has said that it is committed to developing robots that can help humans in a variety of settings and that it believes its technology has the potential to make a positive impact on society.

As the debate over the use of robotic technology in law enforcement continues, we will likely see more cities and police departments exploring the use of these devices in the years to come. While there are valid concerns about the potential for abuse and misuse, there is also potential for these robots to help keep officers and citizens safe and improve emergency response capabilities.

This article originated via [KTLA] and was updated By Anita Johnson-Brown