Colorado’s first robotic police dog, “Spot,” is set to debut in Denver this Saturday, raising both interest and ethical concerns.

Designed to assist in detecting explosives and entering buildings during SWAT operations, Spot’s use in law enforcement has sparked debates.

Dr. Kerstin Haring, a robotics expert, warned about the ethical risks of replacing human interaction with technology, noting that robots in dangerous situations could create moral distancing.

However, Denver Police Cmdr. Mike O’Donnell emphasized that Spot is unarmed and intended solely as a safety tool, 9News has reported.

Funded by a federal grant, Spot will assist in identifying potential threats while keeping officers safe, though Haring cautioned about potential public discomfort and the long-term impact of such technologies.

Written by B.C. Begley