The New York Police Department is bringing back the use of Digidog robots, four-legged remote-controlled machines created by Boston Dynamics, which were previously met with negative reactions from local residents. However, the current mayor of New York, Eric Adams, sees the benefits of this technology and brought the initiative forward at a press conference on April 11. He emphasized that these robots could save lives and stated that it would be foolish not to make use of them.
The Digidog, also known as Spot, is designed to perform actions that may pose a threat to human life, such as reconnaissance in dangerous areas and monitoring construction sites. While Boston Dynamics claims that the robot is safe for use in police operations, critics expressed concerns about police surveillance tactics and the possibility of the robot being weaponized.
In 2020, the New York police utilized the Digidog for several reconnaissance operations during rescue missions. One incident involved an armed criminal, where the robot assisted in selecting the best approach for detaining the suspect. The robot was similarly utilized in 2021 to gather intelligence for a police operation in a residential building.
Despite the initial backlash from critics, the New York Police Department has re-purchased two robots for $750,000 to be used only in dangerous situations, such as bomb threats. However, the citizens’ rights group, Surveillance Technology Oversters (STOP), condemned the mayor’s decision, calling it a “dangerous police trick” that infringes on residents’ privacy.
As the debate on the use of technology by law enforcement continues, the Digidog robots are set to reappear on the New York streets.
Sources: Boston Dynamics, STOP App