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Robot dogs can carry out tasks in dangerous fields. Photo/Reuters
THE ANGELS – Police in various countries still rely on dogs to assist in tracking and solving cases. However, the role of dogs has now been replaced by robots in the form of dogs. The dog robot is considered more effective and does not frighten many people because of its saliva and rabies.
Launching ABC 7, the City Council of Los Angeles, United States of America (USA), allows the use of robotic dog devices by the police department. However, not all Los Angeles residents agree with this. City lawmakers voted 8 to 4 to approve the donation of an “Unmanned Quadrupedal Ground Vehicle” to the LAPD from the nonprofit Los Angeles Police Foundation. The robot worth USD 277,000 was provided free of charge by the foundation.
Designed and manufactured by Boston Dynamics, the robot dog is capable of autonomously navigating various terrains and buildings. The robot dog can also be equipped with various surveillance equipment, sensors and other tools. For police in Los Angeles, the robot dog will be used in dangerous situations.
However, the LAPD’s new recruits faced sharp criticism from residents. Why? One local resident said, “I don’t want to arm (artificial intelligence).” While another stated that the use of robots would eventually lead to a “robot police”, asking, “Haven’t you guys seen the iRobot or Terminator movies?”
But many other residents have accused local lawmakers of ignoring the wishes of their constituents. “After
listening to the overwhelming public commentary. The reason is, New York and San Francisco have rejected this robot dog. The LAPD doesn’t need military weapons,” they said.
New York’s decision in 2020 to employ the robot dog, which the NYPD has dubbed ‘Digidog,’ proved controversial. Learning from experience in New York, San Francisco allows police to use robots in emergencies.
Later, the robot dog will be used primarily by the LAPD SWAT team. That will improve officer safety during high-risk incidents.
Meanwhile, Brendan Schulman, vice president of policy and governance for Boston Dynamics, and David Kowlaski, deputy head of the LAPD, revealed unarmed technology used in 2022 has been used in various cities in Los Angeles. “In addition to robot dogs, we also use drones,” said Kowlaski.
(ahm)
