Meet Spot, the LAPD's new crimefighting robot dog
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – He can sit, stay and even shake — just like any well-trained dog. But that’s where the similarities end.
The Los Angeles Police Department has deployed its newest crimefighting tool: a robot dog named Spot. The futuristic four-legged machine, which boasts the size and agility of a 70-pound golden retriever, has been met with both fascination and concern.
Spot, designed by Boston Dynamics, can open doors, pick up objects and drag up to 50 pounds. It can also navigate difficult terrain, making it useful in scenarios where traditional robots have failed.
Spot, LAPD's new robotic crimefighting dog, is seen in August 2024. (KTLA)
Deputy Chief David Kowalski, commanding officer of LAPD’s counterterrorism and special operations, emphasized the robot’s life-saving potential.
“The main reason that we acquired Spot is to save lives,” Kowalski recently told Jennifer McGraw of Nexstar's KTLA, recalling a recent incident on an L.A. Metro bus where Spot was deployed in the case of a barricaded, armed suspect.
The robot identified a weapon next to the suspect and picked it up, allowing officers to apprehend him without further risk.
Los Angeles police deployed a robotic dog to help end a standoff with an armed man on a Metro bus in Hollywood in November 2023. (KTLA)
Despite its capabilities, Spot has drawn criticism from those who fear the robot could become a symbol of militarization, especially in lower-income and minority communities.
Assistant Professor Brittany Friedman of USC’s Sociology Department highlighted the public's concerns.
“I think that people are concerned in our communities because Spot follows a long and flawed history of predictive policing in Los Angeles,” she said.
Kowalski assured the public that Spot would never be weaponized, as Boston Dynamics prohibits such modifications.
The New York Police Department faced backlash when its robotic dog, DigiDog, was deployed in public housing. This led to public outcry and its eventual removal from service.
The LAPD maintains that the robot will only be used in high-risk situations to protect both officers and civilians. It promises transparency and responsible use.
“Our goal is for the public, when they see Spot somewhere, they know that we are using it to end a situation peacefully and not harm the public,” Kowalski said.
Date: |
Topics
-
Top stories - The New York Times
Donald Trump, You Lucky Dog
It’s unnerving how many fortunate things have happened to this guy.20 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Top stories - BBC News
Great Britain end 60-year wait for America's Cup spot
Great Britain will compete for the America's Cup for the first time in 60 years after beating Italy in a qualifying event.2 hours ago - United Kingdom -
Top stories - BBC News
Givan defends meeting with loyalist paramilitaries
The education minister has defended holding a meeting with the LCC about an Irish Language school.1 hour ago -
World - Yahoo News
Iranian President Pezeshkian meets Hamas leaders in Doha
23 hours ago - Iran -
Sports - CBS Sports
Ranking NFL teams with winning records entering Week 5: Chiefs take top position, Steelers in last spot
Here's where the NFL's best teams stand after four weeks17 hours ago - NFL -
Business - The New York Times
Meet Harold Daggett, the Union Leader Behind the Ports Strike
As president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, Harold Daggett is taking advantage of organized labor’s resurgence to drive a hard bargain.Yesterday -
Top stories - NBC News
Meet the men competing to be Hallmark’s next holiday movie hunk
Actor Jonathan Bennett is hosting a new Hallmark Christmas competition series, “Finding Mr. Christmas,” where contestants compete to become Hallmark’s next lead holiday movie star. The contestants ...Yesterday -
Sports - ABC News
The Devils meet the Sabres in the Czech capital to open the NHL regular season
The New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres will open the NHL regular season with matches on Friday and Saturday in Prague21 hours ago - NHL
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Harris campaign aims at battleground-state Latino voters with new ad
A new Latino-focused ad for Vice President Harris is courting Hispanic battleground voters by highlighting her record as attorney general of California. The bilingual ad, dubbed either “Why Do We ...30 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
CDC confirms California's first human cases of bird flu in two dairy workers
Two dairy workers in California have been infected with the state’s first human cases of bird flu, federal and state health officials said. The late Thursday announcement of two confirmed cases of ...33 minutes ago - California -
Politics - The Hill
Stein tops Robinson by 17 points in North Carolina gubernatorial race: Survey
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D) is leading embattled Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) by 17 points in the gubernatorial race, according to a new survey. The High Point University poll, ...34 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Supreme Court sides with Biden administration, will hear nuclear fuel storage case
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to settle a dispute over the temporary storage of nuclear waste in West Texas that could potentially upend decades of federal nuclear policy. Last year, the U.S. ...35 minutes ago - Joe Biden -
Politics - The Hill
Melania Trump criticizes 'holes' in Secret Service 'top leadership'
Former first lady Melania Trump criticized what she described as "holes" in the top leadership of the U.S. Secret Service following two apparent assassination attempts against former President ...38 minutes ago - Donald Trump