Spot the Issue? The NYPD’s Robot Dog Is Back On The Loose
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Spot the Issue? The NYPD’s Robot Dog Is Back On The Loose
The New York Police Department has decided to bring back Digidog, the robotic policing pooch that stirred up quite a controversy a few years ago.
During a press event on Tuesday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams shared the news, emphasizing that the reintroduction of Digidog will ultimately help to “save lives.” It seems that New Yorkers can look forward to the cutting-edge canine patrolling their streets once more.
Digidog, affectionately known as Spot, is a remarkable remote-controlled robot crafted by Boston Dynamics, a company now owned by Hyundai. The high-tech hound is specifically designed to handle tasks in environments that could be hazardous to humans. For instance, it can carry out inspections in perilous areas and keep an eye on important or closed off sites. While Boston Dynamics also promotes its use as a public safety tool, it’s worth noting that the NYPD has tried and failed at introducing the system in the past.
The Future of Public Safety is NOW:
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) April 11, 2023
🐕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 pic.twitter.com/4Qp05ph81o
Rovers Return
Back in 2020, the NYPD put Digidog to the test for reconnaissance when they had a gunman barricaded inside a building. Then, in 2021, they deployed the robotic canine during a home invasion to gain crucial intel on the situation inside. However, not everyone was thrilled about Digidog’s involvement. Critics voiced concerns over potential surveillance issues and the possibility of weaponizing the police force. As a result, the NYPD promptly terminated its contract with Boston Dynamics.
The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP), an organization pushing back against local and state-level surveillance, has expressed disapproval of Mayor Adams’ decision to reintroduce Digidog. In a statement, Albert Fox Cahn, STOP’s executive director, said, “The NYPD is turning bad science fiction into terrible policing. New York deserves real safety, not a knockoff robocop. Wasting public dollars to invade New Yorkers’ privacy is a dangerous police stunt.”
Not everyone is on board with this tech-savvy approach to policing and the backlash online has been significant with privacy and rights groups calling for the program to be stopped immediately.
According to the New York Times, city officials have revealed that the NYPD plans to purchase two robotic dogs at a total cost of $750,000. They’ve emphasized that these high-tech canines will only be deployed in life-threatening situations, such as bomb threats.
That’s a lot of tax dollars to invest in something you’re not planning to use..
During Tuesday’s press conference, Mayor Adams stated, “I believe that the technology is here; we cannot be afraid of it.” He continued, “A few loud people were opposed to it, and we took a step back — that is not how I operate. I operate on looking at what’s best for the city.” It seems the Mayor is determined to embrace technology for the greater good of New York City, even if that means ignoring anyone who expresses concern at his use of security hardware that could be used in ways they haven’t even thought about yet..
The decision to bring back Digidog has reignited concerns about the NYPD’s allocation of public funds and the potential impact of the camera-equipped robot on privacy and public safety. To date, there haven’t been any instances of Digidog being weaponized, and it’s important to note that such actions would violate Boston Dynamics’ terms of service.
Brave New World
In addition to Digidog’s return, Mayor Adams and the NYPD have announced pilot programs for two other cutting-edge technologies. The first is StarChase’s Guardian HX, a car-mounted or rifle-like launcher that fires GPS tracking tags onto vehicles, allowing for tracking during car chases. The second and more concerning is Knightscope’s K5 ASR, a “fully autonomous outdoor security robot” that the NYPD will utilize for intelligence gathering, as mentioned by the New York Times.
Some of the capabilities of this R2D2 wannabe can be found on the website of it’s manufacturer and can be seen below.
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- Autonomous detection
- Force multiplying physical deterrence
- 360-degree, eye-level video streaming and recording in HD
- People detection during certain restricted hours
- Thermal anomaly detection
- Automatic signal detection (watchlist for approved, denied and unknown MAC addresses)
- License Plate Recognition (parking monitor and watchlist for approved and denied vehicles)
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During the press conference, NYC Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell emphasized that the NYPD’s deployment of these technologies will be “transparent, consistent, and always done in collaboration with the people that we serve.” She also clarified that neither Digidog nor the K5 ASR would employ facial recognition technology.
At present we’ll have to take her word for it…
In response to questions about addressing residents’ concerns regarding safety and surveillance, Mayor Adams pointed out that the city will be showcasing all three devices in Times Square. He stated, “Digidog is out of the pound. This is the beginning of a series of rollouts we are going to do to show how public safety has transformed.”
It appears the city is eager to demonstrate the potential benefits of these advanced tools for public safety, come what may.
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