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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has recently acquired a crime-fighting robot dog named "Spot," sparking concerns among several communities about its effects.
Knewz.com has learned that the robot dog is similar to a golden retriever in terms of size and agility and weighs about 70 pounds.
Designed by the robotics firm Boston Dynamics, "Spot" can open doors, pick up and drag objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and traverse difficult terrain with ease, among other capabilities.
Theoretically, the robot dog is more useful in cases where traditional robots have failed, which would make him one of the most essential additions to the police force, per reports.
According to Deputy Chief David Kowalski, commanding officer of LAPD’s counterterrorism and special operations, the robot dog recently conducted a successful operation against 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," it has been reported by a local news outlet.
"The main reason that we acquired Spot is to save lives," Deputy Chief Kowalski commented on the utility of the mechanized canine.
Regarding the dynamic application of the robot dog, Boston Dynamics writes:
"From factory floors to construction sites to research labs and beyond, Spot works so your team can excel. As a dynamic sensing platform, Spot provides valuable insights into routine operations, site health, or potentially hazardous situations. With Spot, your team can focus on the things that matter most, while staying out of harm's way."
"Spot's 14kg [around 31 pounds] of payload capacity, robust API, and comprehensive documentation allow you to equip it for your specific needs no matter your application," the description further stated.
The firm also mentioned that the robot dog "can operate without interventions—autonomously charging, dynamically replanning around new obstacles, and self-righting if it falls."
However, despite its high potential, it has been reported that certain communities might not react well to a robot joining the ranks of the police.
It is worth noting that the New York Police Department faced significant public backlash after they deployed their own robot dog, known as DigiDog, in public housing. The outcry over the incident led the NYPD to eventually remove it from its service.
With the LAPD planning to deploy their robot dog "Spot," similar concerns have been raised.
Assistant Professor Brittany Friedman of the University of Southern California’s Sociology Department explained:
"I think that people are concerned in our communities because Spot follows a long and flawed history of predictive policing in Los Angeles."
Furthermore, reports suggest that some believe the addition of the robot dog to the LAPD could be seen as a symbol of militarization, especially by those in lower-income groups and minority communities.
However, the Los Angeles police have justified their decision by assuring that the mechanized dog would not be weaponized, since such modifications are prohibited by the manufacturer, Boston Dynamics.
The police department has vowed to use the robot dog only in "high-risk situations to protect both officers and civilians," promising "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," Deputy Chief Kowalski said in a statement regarding the matter.