Posted on 11/26/2019 6:24:54 AM PST by BenLurkin
Massachusetts State Police (MSP) has been quietly testing ways to use the four-legged Boston Dynamics robot known as Spot, according to new documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. And while Spot isn’t equipped with a weapon just yet, the documents provide a terrifying peek at our RoboCop future.
The Spot robot, which was officially made available for lease to businesses last month, has been in use by MSP since at least April 2019 and has engaged in at least two police “incidents,” though it’s not clear what those incidents may have been. It’s also not clear whether the robots were being operated by a human controller or how much autonomous action the robots are allowed. MSP did not respond to Gizmodo’s emails on Monday morning.
The newly obtained documents, first reported by Ally Jarmanning at WBUR in Boston, include emails and contracts that shed some light on how police departments of the future may use robots to engage suspects without putting human police in harm’s way. In one document written by Lt. Robert G. Schumaker robots are described as an “invaluable component of tactical operations” that are vital to support the state’s “Homeland Security Strategy.”
Strangely, it appears that the relationship between Boston Dynamics and the Massachusetts State Police started through a personal connection, rather than a sales call.
Spot has a rechargeable and replaceable battery that lasts for 90 minutes and 360-degree video capabilities, along with plenty of other various sensors. Spot has a max speed of 3 mph and a max payload of about 30 pounds. The dog-like robot can even open doors with a special arm that extends from the robot’s “head.”
(Excerpt) Read more at gizmodo.com ...
I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.
Local PD can barely afford another dog.
The easiest part of the design was the sound loop: “Stop resisting. Stop resisting. Stop resisting...”
It will become a parking ticket writing robot if we get one in Philly.
Very good application for terrorist incidents, or where you’re looking for booby traps. A robot that will easily open a closed door is a major safety factor for officers.
But can Spot absorb a slapshot?
So, the first robot has been named “Spot” and not “Hal” ...
Easier for the Gun Grabbers to disarm the Population without fear. They should name the first one Red Flag.
re: “The newly obtained documents, first reported by Ally Jarmanning at WBUR in Boston, include emails and contracts that shed some light on how police departments of the future may use robots to engage suspects without putting human police in harm’s way.”
ALREADY been done; the perp who killed a number of poh-leece officers in Dallas back in 2016 was “delivered” a small bomb by a wheeled robot that ‘took him out’ (as the perp was ‘holed up’ in a building downtown) ...
SKYBARK ?
Ok now the next question is if some perp “injures” or “kills” a SKYBARK will the same Charges be filed as for a Real Live K9 Officer ?
Also- how does one Housebreak a Baby SKYBARK ? snewzpapers or Oil Dry ?
I heard the name of the robot in Dallas was R2C4
I heard the name of the robot in Dallas was R2C4
duh fedz tried to take out Randy Weaver with a Shotgun on a BDU Robot decades ago. Luckily for Randy, Bo Gritz saw it and was able to warn Randy before the fedzatffbiidiots drove it to Randy’s Front Door. And IIRC that was just before fedzatffbiidiots were prepping the Chopper with a Water Bladder full of GASOLINE and a Satchel Charge they were going to DROP ON THE WEAVER HOUSE AND HAVE A FAMILY ROASTING !!!
Is Boston Dynamics owned by Sarah Jane Smith? Just wondering...
i’m sure...
“I not shoot you. I only stab you and you go to sleep.”
—Chappie
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