Nottinghamshire Police have launched a three-month trial of a robotic dog. Their goal is to create a framework for how it can be safely and appropriately used in frontline policing across the United Kingdom. The poochbot comes equipped with four legs, wheels, and a loudspeaker. It would free up officers’ time and give them a potentially powerful new tool to enhance public safety while decreasing risks in volatile situations.
Officers can command the robodog to communicate with errant suspects through the robodog’s loudspeaker remotely, unlocking the utility of officers talking to suspects without ever being there. This feature is a godsend in high-stakes situations such as sieges or hostage crises. We learned that direct contact is often enormously risky in these scenarios. Chief Inspector Andy Reynolds praised the robot’s effectiveness in these extreme situations.
“Sieges, hostage situations. Where we might not want to get an officer to go into a situation and speak to somebody face to face,” – Ch Insp Andy Reynolds
Built for all-purpose use, the robot dog is capable of tackling rough terrains, such as walking over obstacles like logs, tree stumps, and climbing stairs. This special ability allows it to reach tight spaces and structures that are out of reach for aerial drones. Plus, it can transport equipment, allowing it to serve as an invaluable support builder during crises. The trial will see just how effective the robotic dog is. More importantly, it will be decided whether its £24,000 price tag represents value for money.
As valuable as robotic dogs may be, there are serious ethical implications of using them in policing. First, Chief Inspector Reynolds accepted full responsibility for these deficiencies. He told them that the force was already taking them seriously and would have to confront them in trial.
“They do look a bit unusual, and I think with any piece of policing equipment, they are going to have legitimate concerns about the ethical impact of it,” – Ch Insp Reynolds
This trial comes on the heels of New York City’s decision to terminate trials of a similar robotic pooch way back in 2021. This cancellation came in response to an incredible grassroots uproar. A spokesman for former Mayor Bill de Blasio described the “Digidog” as “creepy, alienating, and sends the wrong message to New Yorkers.” This serves to highlight the polarized public reaction that such technology can generate.
Once the stuff of science fiction, robotic dogs have recently become more common in many sectors, including online shopping deliveries and military operations. Their rising use by law enforcement is indicative of a larger trend towards adopting technology as a core component of policing strategy.
Throughout this initial period of the trial, Nottinghamshire Police will be evaluating the drawbacks of the robotic dog. They’ll look at its broader impact on policing practices. British police Chief Inspector Reynolds stated that the new robot will not be armed in any way. He reiterated that it will not be used as an enforcement tool.
“There are absolutely no plans to fit any kind of weapons (and) they’re not going to be used as enforcement tools or anything like that,” – Ch Insp Andy Reynolds