Police forces in the UK are currently testing a newly developed robodog. This new and inventive technology is designed to increase safety during operations and officer safety during potentially volatile circumstances. This ground-breaking technology developed by Gedling, Nottinghamshire native Nathan Wallace, 22, could be introduced nationwide by 2026. The robot dog is equipped with advanced features that enable it to navigate complex terrains and gather vital information during critical incidents.
The robot dog’s four legs give it the capability to trot over obstacles like logs and tree stumps with ease. It climbs and descends staircases with acrobatic ease. It has four sturdy legs mounted on small wheels, making it more mobile than one might expect. Utilizing advanced robotic control systems, officers will be able to direct the robot dog remotely, allowing it to go into dangerous environments without risk to human life. The autonomous robot dog serves as a land-based counterpart to drone technology. Most importantly, it can operate in environments that are too dangerous for police personnel.
Nottinghamshire Police will run the dog for three months, using it as the force was intended to be used in a real-world environment. In terms of managing the testing process, firearms officers will supervise the testing process. They’ll determine whether the robot dog can be used in scenarios such as sieges or hostage situations. Ch Insp Andy Reynolds said the trial was hugely significant. He went on to say that it will take a deep look at the potential impacts of deploying robotic technology in policing from an ethical perspective.
“That is something we do take really seriously. During the 12-week trial period we will be reviewing that.”
The robot companion is outfitted with 360-degree cameras that deliver a view from up to one kilometer away directly into the remote control unit. Wallace called out some pretty amazing features of the robot dog. It boasts a sophisticated AI-driven camera that could detect potential weapons including handguns, knives, baseball bats and hammers.
“We have an AI camera which can detect weapons – so handguns, knives, baseball bats, hammers, that sort of thing.” – Nathan Wallace
Ch Insp Reynolds admitted that they didn’t consider the initial public perception of the robot dog. He agreed, touting its rarity and odd look but explaining why it was important to tackle the ethical questions surrounding its use.
“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 Andy Reynolds
The unit cost is about £24,000 per unit. If it works well, if successful the robot dog would be a key asset to police departments across the country. It can help officers when their physical presence is dangerous.
Ch Insp Reynolds provided more insight into how the robot dog could be used within policing.
“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
The first phase of the trial is largely focused on evaluating the robot dog’s technical capabilities. It assesses its practical usefulness at the level of police operations. The police department is still dedicated to making sure that such technological advances are done ethically and the expectation of the communities.