‘Do not pet’: Why are robot dogs patrolling Mar-A-Lago?

A Robotic Dog Named Spot

The US Secret Service has recently been spotted using a robotic dog named “Spot” made by Boston Dynamics to patrol the perimeter of President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

No Weapons and Pre-Programmed Routes

These robotic dogs do not have weapons and can be controlled remotely or automatically as long as their route is pre-programmed. Passers-by are warned by a sign on each of Spot’s legs: “DO NOT PET.”

The Mission Is No Laughing Matter

Safeguarding the president-elect is a top priority, according to Anthony Guglielmi, US Secret Service chief of communications. In the months leading up to the US presidential election, Trump was the target of two apparent assassination attempts.

Upgrading Technology for Enhanced Security

Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent and CEO of Talon Companies, suspects that the assassination attempts added urgency to the agency’s push “to upgrade the technology that can enhance the ability to detect and deter.”

Robotic Dogs in Law Enforcement and Military Use

Robotic dogs have increasingly become a tool used by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world. They can cover a lot more area than humans alone, making them long overdue for use at Mar-a-Lago.

Features of Spot

Spot is known for its agility, able to walk up and down stairs and navigate tight spaces. It can even open doors. Its ability to reveal potential threats ranks high among the reasons that so many agencies appear willing to pay up to $75,000 for the device.

Advanced Surveillance Technology

The robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, advanced sensors, and multiple cameras that generate a 3D map of its surroundings. They can also have extras such as thermal sensing.

Human Control Remains Essential

Despite their many impressive features, the devices can be taken down. A human master controls Spot using a joystick, and it can move automatically along predefined routes.

Key Points

• The robotic dog, named “Spot,” is not armed and can be controlled remotely or automatically.

• A sign on each of Spot’s legs warns passers-by: “DO NOT PET.”

• The use of robotic dogs is a growing trend among militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Quotes from Experts

• Melissa Michelson, a political scientist at Menlo College, notes that the robot dogs do not look cuddly.

• Anthony Guglielmi, US Secret Service chief of communications, emphasizes that safeguarding the president-elect is a top priority.

• Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent and CEO of Talon Companies, suggests that the assassination attempts against Trump added urgency to the agency’s push for upgrading security technology.

Global Use of Robotic Dogs

• The New York City police have scrapped their use of robotic dogs due to complaints of “a dystopian overreach of police power.”

• Ukraine has used robotic dogs to conduct reconnaissance in the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion in 2022.

• Boston Dynamics promotional materials highlight a bomb squad in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania that uses Spot to inspect potential explosives.

Cost and Capabilities

• The device can be purchased for up to $75,000 (£59,000).

• Spot is known for its agility, with the ability to walk up and down stairs, navigate tight spaces, and even open doors.

• Its ability to reveal potential threats ranks high among the reasons that agencies are willing to invest in the device.