A USD 75,000 robot dog is to be used in live crime incidents in Germany after police chiefs snapped up one of the high-tech pooches.
The Spot robo dog – made by US company Boston Dynamics – is to be deployed with officers in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
The dog – which can trot at 5.57 kph (3.46 mph) – comes with an arm with a gripping hand that can open doors.
Spot – controlled by a human with a tablet and a special app – also has the ability to climb stairs.
State Interior Minister Thomas Strobl said the police plan to use it to scout locations that could be too dangerous or inaccessible for human officers.
As well as being used as a first responder in dangerous environments, Spot’s sensors can also search a crime scene faster than any other traditional scanner.
Spot is already at work in the USA in the New York Police Department.
And the robot is also being used to shepherd sheep in New Zealand, according to the manufacturer.
The American company says that Spot can carry 14 kilogrammes (30.8 lbs) of gear.
They say on their website: “Spot’s base platform provides advanced mobility and perception to navigate stairs, gravel, and rough terrain while collecting 2D and 3D information with on board-sensors.
“Add payloads provided by Boston Dynamics or third-parties to enhance Spot’s sensing and data processing capabilities.”
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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