The Los Angeles Police Department has introduced a robot dog named Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics, as a new crimefighting tool.

Spot, resembling a 70-pound golden retriever, can perform tasks such as opening doors, picking up objects, and navigating difficult terrain.

LAPD Deputy Chief David Kowalski highlighted Spot’s potential to save lives, recalling its recent deployment to assist in a standoff with an armed suspect, where it identified and retrieved a weapon.

However, the introduction of Spot has sparked concerns about police militarization, particularly in lower-income and minority communities, given past issues with predictive policing.

Kowalski assured the public that Spot would never be weaponized and would only be used in high-risk situations to ensure safety, KTLA 5 has reported.

The LAPD aims to promote transparency and responsible usage of the robot.

Written by B.C. Begley