When he first took office in 2017, President-elect Donald Trump was the first U.S. president since William McKinley who did not own a dog. But, guess what: He might soon be guarded by something more advanced—a robot canine!
Boston Dynamics’ Spot is the latest addition to the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation (ASTRO) program and is already turning heads at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Boston Dynamics: Changing the World, One Robot at a Time
Boston Dynamics, an MIT spin-off, is renowned for creating some of the planet’s most futurist robots. The most versatile among these is its quadruped “Spot.” Unveiled in 2015, this dog-like robot has proven a commercial success thanks to its agility, balance, and ability, making it a must for warehouse inspections and public safety operations—and now, a part of the USSS’s security detail.
How Spot Fits Into the USSS’ ASTRO Program
The USSS’ Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation (ASTRO) program is all about using cutting-edge tech to protect the nation’s most prominent leaders. It is on the lookout for robots that can be equipped with advanced sensors and surveillance technologies for thermal imaging, detecting chemical threats, and even identifying bombs.
Spot fits the bill perfectly; its agility allows the robot to efficiently patrol areas, navigating both urban environments and sprawling grounds such as Mar-a-Lago or even the White House.
Robot Dogs: The Future of Security Tech
The USSS isn’t the only organization deploying robot dogs: The New York Police Department (NYPD) has adopted its own robotic canine (Digidog) to handle risky situations. These robots are used to assess hazardous and critical environments, such as collapsed buildings or areas facing a bomb threat. The US Army, too, has commissioned such robots to support logistics and surveillance operations in combat zones.
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