The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is planning to purchase robotic dogs to conduct inspections in hazardous and difficult-to-access areas during law enforcement operations. According to a Department of Homeland Security procurement announcement, ICE is considering spending between $1 million to $2 million on Boston Dynamics' Spot robots and related equipment.
The four-legged robot called Spot can walk on rough terrain and has the capability to climb stairs and overcome obstacles. It weighs 74.5 pounds (33.8 kilograms) and can travel up to 3.6 miles per hour (1.6 meters/second), with a battery life of approximately 90 minutes. The robot can be equipped with cameras, sensors, and additional tools including a robotic arm.
ICE states that these robots can assist officers in conducting inspections, monitoring conditions, and risk assessments in dangerous, confined, and unstable areas where humans cannot safely enter. The robots will not be used as attack dogs or as autonomous weapons, according to ICE. Currently, this remains in the procurement planning stage.
Ref: Technology Innovation
