LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A new high-tech crimefighting tool is being used here in the Vegas Valley for the first time. Metro says it has the potential to save lives of both officers and their K9 partners.
Robo dog is Metro’s newest K9. Though it lacks fur, the four-legged machine about the size of a golden retriever is a loyal partner listening to every command. The spot model built by Boston Dynamics doesn’t have an official name from Metro just yet.
“We just call it the Spot Dog or the Boston. No new nickname yet. It hasn’t earned it yet,” contended Detective Breck Hodson.
Like a puppy, it is in training but can already do all sorts of impressive tricks. With its snakelike head that functions as an arm, it can fetch. With a command sent via tablet controller, it can spin. Unlike real dogs it can see in darkness. Its tail is made up of a system of 360-degree cameras including infrared.
“If I need to detect someone hiding behind something, I can go to the Infrared mode and it should be able to see them,” Hodson explained.
FOX5 met the robo dog while it was out for a walk at National Night Out in the Arts District where other dogs were not so sure about it, but the kids were big fans. Its main handler a big fan too.
“When I started this, I never thought we would have this type of technology,” Hodson revealed. Hodson has been working with the robo dog since it arrived a few months ago and says the tech is user friendly.
“I am controlling, but it is also helping me out by reading the environment itself and avoiding certain things,” Hodson described.
The robo dog gets its commands via Wi-Fi but there’s also a backup network.
“A mesh radio network system on any of our tactical deployments to allow me to operate it at a further distance and longer range,” Hodson shared.
Like a real police dog, robo dog can detect things like explosives.
“I can attach…sensors and monitors to it… and we can see what we have,” Hodson stated. Robo dog’s main job: SWAT operations, to go in first during standoffs and protect the lives of officers and real dogs from suspects ready to attack.
Back in March, Metro’s K9 Officer Enzo was sent in during a standoff at a motel and was stabbed multiple times. A police helicopter rushing the dog to a vet across the valley saving his life.
Now, robo dog can be used in these most dangerous situations.
“If we can introduce it without having to introduce a human being, a fellow officer or even a K9 officer…we are going to try and do that,” Hodson asserted.
Massachusetts State Police say their robo dog was shot several times during a standoff at a home earlier this year and that distraction allowed them to throw tear gas inside, leading the suspect to surrender. Though the life of the robo dog was over, no real dogs nor officers were harmed. The robo police dog successfully completing its mission.
Metro says the robo dog is much more advanced than any of its previous robots. The spot model from Boston Dynamics starts at $75,000. Metro purchased theirs through grants.
It will be sent to assist other law enforcement agencies with SWAT situations throughout Southern Nevada.
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