‘Do not pet’: Why are robot dogs patrolling Mar-A-Lago?

A robotic dog named 'Spot,' created by Boston Dynamics, has recently been deployed by the US Secret Service to patrol the grounds of President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. This innovative device is part of a broader effort to enhance security measures surrounding the president-elect. Spot is not equipped with any weapons; instead, it can be controlled remotely or programmed to follow a specific route autonomously. To ensure public awareness, each of Spot's legs features a sign that reads 'DO NOT PET. ' Melissa Michelson, a political scientist at Menlo College, commented on the robot's appearance, stating, 'I don't know that anyone is tempted to pet these robot dogs. They do not look cuddly. ' Videos of Spot patrolling the property have gone viral on TikTok, eliciting a range of reactions from viewers who find it either fascinating or unsettling. Despite the lighthearted nature of these online discussions, the mission of Spot is serious. Anthony Guglielmi, the chief of communications for the US Secret Service, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the president-elect, especially in light of two assassination attempts against Trump in the months leading up to the election. The first incident occurred during a rally in Pennsylvania, while the second took place at the Mar-a-Lago golf course. Due to 'concern for operational security,' the Secret Service has not disclosed specific details about the use of robotic dogs in Trump's security detail, including when they began utilizing Spot at his primary residence. Boston Dynamics has also refrained from providing detailed information but confirmed that the Secret Service is indeed deploying Spot. The urgency to adopt advanced technology for security purposes has been heightened by the recent threats against Trump. Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent and current CEO of Talon Companies, believes that the assassination attempts have accelerated the agency's efforts to upgrade its security technology. He stated, 'Robotic dogs are long overdue at Mar-a-Lago, where so much of the property is exposed. They can cover a lot more area than humans alone. ' Williams also noted that the use of robotic dogs is becoming increasingly common among military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. For instance, a bomb squad in Pennsylvania employs Spot to inspect potential explosives, while the New York Police Department has also begun using robotic dogs, despite concerns about the implications for civil liberties. Spot is known for its impressive agility, capable of navigating stairs and tight spaces, and even opening doors. Its ability to detect potential threats is a significant reason why many agencies are willing to invest up to $75,000 for the device. Guglielmi explained that Spot is equipped with surveillance technology and advanced sensors that support protective operations. The robot dog is outfitted with multiple cameras that create a 3D map of its surroundings and can include additional features like thermal sensing. However, Spot's operations are always overseen by a human operator. Missy Cummings, an engineering professor at George Mason University, explained that a person controls Spot using a joystick as it moves around. Spot can also follow pre-programmed routes autonomously. Unlike human and real dogs, robotic dogs are not easily distracted by visual or auditory stimuli. Nevertheless, despite their advanced capabilities, these devices can be rendered ineffective. Cummings noted that simply spraying hairspray at Spot's cameras could disrupt its functionality. While the robotic dog at Mar-a-Lago is not armed, Cummings mentioned that some competitors are experimenting with weaponized models, including a Chinese version equipped with a rifle. However, experts like Michelson believe that robotic dogs will not replace human security personnel. She likened the technology to assisted driving in cars, stating, 'We don’t have a lot of faith in the ability of cars to drive by themselves. ' Secret Service agents at Mar-a-Lago have been observed patrolling alongside Spot, highlighting the continued need for human judgment and intervention in security operations.