U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to add robot dogs to its operations, according to a recent Homeland Security procurement plan. The agency is considering buying Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots for as much as $2 million.
The four-legged robots are already used by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Equipped with cameras and sensors, they can detect hazards such as gas and radiation, move over rough terrain, and even use a robotic arm to handle objects or open doors.
ICE said it wants to use the robots to inspect confined spaces and structurally unstable locations before sending officers inside. The Department of Homeland Security listed the robots’ main tasks as inspection, situational awareness and hazard assessment, saying the goal is to reduce the risk of injury by sending robots in first.
Officials emphasized the robots will not be used to track or arrest people. Instead, the plan is to use them to gather information about dangerous scenes before officers enter.
