Key Takeaways
1. The Wichita Police Department is seeking $650,000 to purchase two robotic dogs for crime-fighting purposes.
2. The robots are designed to move independently through various environments, including doors, stairs, and rough terrain.
3. These robotic dogs aim to enhance officer safety by reducing risks during high-risk incidents.
4. The Spot by Boston Dynamics is a leading candidate for the robotic dogs, known for its advanced capabilities and use in law enforcement.
5. The police department has not revealed potential suppliers for the robotic dogs.
The Wichita Police Department is looking for funding of $650,000 to buy two robotic dogs. These robotic quadrupeds will be used to help fight crime and will join the current lineup of robots already in use by the department.
Advanced Capabilities
Police Captain Aaron Moses has shared that the department is seeking robots that can move independently through doors, stairs, and rough terrain. He mentioned, “These robotic systems provide capabilities that address current operational gaps, including the ability to open and close doors, navigate stairs, and move over uneven terrain and obstacles commonly encountered in real-world environments.”
Enhancing Officer Safety
Additionally, Captain Moses pointed out that these robots are intended to lessen the dangers faced by officers while performing their duties. “These capabilities allow officers to manage high-risk incidents more safely and reduce risk to both the public and responding personnel,” he stated.
The police department has not disclosed the names of any potential suppliers. Nonetheless, one of the leading robotic dogs that fits these specifications is the Spot by Boston Dynamics. This quadruped can be equipped with a Spot Arm and various law enforcement tools. Weighing 75 pounds, this four-legged robot has been used in armed standoffs and has supported over 60 bomb squads and SWAT teams across the US and Canada.
Wichita Eagle, Bloomberg
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