New York Police Department Unveils ‘Digidog’ To Combat Crime

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has unveiled a robot police canine that will aid in the fight against crime. Spot, a ‘digidog’ created by Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics, is a remote-controlled robot. The dog model was revealed by the NYPD at a news briefing attended by Mayor Eric Adams.

The police dog can assist humans in times of crisis, patrol subways, and risky places, and monitor construction sites. It is also intended to converse with individuals.

The Press Secretary to NYC Mayor tweeted, “@NYCMayor & @NYPDPC announce 3 new pieces of tech the NYPD will test & utilize to increase officer & resident safety: -StarChase, K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR), “Spot” the Digidog. This tech will be on display for 3 days in Times Square for NYers to see & ask questions”, through his official Twitter handle.

The Mayor’s office tweeted as well.

NYC Mayor’s office tweeted, “The Future of Public Safety is NOW: 🐕Digidog is a RC K-9 robot for use in assessing hazardous situations. 🚙StarChase pilot will test a projectile that attaches a GPS-enabled device to stolen or ghost vehicles. 🚨K5 ASR pilot will help conduct automated patrol in confined areas”, through its official Twitter handle.

There was also the K5 ASR pilot, which according to the Mayor’s office will aid in automated patrol in tight locations.

However, the NYPD had to cancel its contract with Boston Dynamics after critics voiced their opposition to the usage of ‘digidog’ due to worries about surveillance and police weaponization.

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