The US Secret Service has introduced an unlikely, high-tech addition to its security: a robotic dog named Spot, built by Boston Dynamics.
Just recently, it was photographed patrolling the boundary of President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Spot is quickly becoming the most fascinating recent addition to modern security operations, but just a word of caution: don't just pet it like your neighbor's dog.
Spot: The New Aide in Security Enhancement
The robotic dog is one of several advanced technological advancements that are being introduced in an effort to enhance security. Unlike most general security systems, Spot has capabilities that enable it to operate as an extremely efficient monitoring tool for vast areas, BBC reports.
It is equipped with advanced sensors and surveillance technology, which makes it a perfect addition to the operations of the Secret Service. Spot can easily move through tight spaces, climb stairs, and even open doors when operating remotely controlled or following a pre-programmed route.
Though Spot does not arm itself, it has programming that identifies possible threats, therefore making the overall security of the premises better.
"Safeguarding the president-elect is a top priority," Anthony Guglielmi, US Secret Service chief of communications, told BBC.
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Secret Service to Utilize Robot Dogs For Protection
Considering heightened threats of security breaches, the Secret Service now includes robotic dogs. The situation has worsened since there have been attempts that appear to be assassinations targeted at Donald Trump, one during a rally in Pennsylvania and another at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.
Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent, termed it that the Secret Service is now preferring more whiz tools that will detect and deter threats much more efficiently.
According to Williams, the dogs can cover so much ground more than a human patrol in big and open areas. For instance, Spot can do better when it comes to security.
Do Not Pet Robotic Dogs on the Prowl
It's not only the US Secret Service that is investing in robotic dogs. These versatile robots have been deployed by police departments and armies all over the world.
For instance, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania's bomb squad uses Spot to survey suspected explosives, while the New York Police Department bought robotic dogs after heated debates regarding surveillance overreach and privacy violations.
In Ukraine, Spot has been applied in reconnaissance in the country's ongoing battle with Russia. Still, do not pet them since they can carry dangerous weapons.
The Technology Behind Spot
The advanced design of the robot enables Spot to have amazing capabilities.
According to engineering experts, engineering ability permits a remote joystick control or the robot can automatically walk through its predefined routes. Its agility and withstanding endurance make Spot carry out tasks that are impossible or too dangerous for humans to do.
Engineering professor Missy Cummings at George Mason University points out, as an example, that Spot's sensors and cameras can be disabled by something as simple as Aqua Net hairspray.
Although Spot turns out to be a good asset as a tool for monitoring and security, for example, as experts Melissa Michelson say, these robots will never completely replace human agents.
Michelson said that these robot dogs remain dependent on human control even though they are capable of doing things beyond what we can do.
The US Secret Service has deployed Spot in a new move from which security matters in high-risk areas will never be the same again. Whereas robotic dogs like Spot can match any surveillance capacity, they are by no means a substitute for human security agents.
Still, they complement human endeavors fully so that security operations become more efficient and reach further.
