Dutch Police Test AI-Powered Robot Dog to Raid Drug Labs

"Police and search and rescue forces worldwide are increasingly using robots to assist in carrying out their operations," writes Interesting Engineering. "Now, the Dutch police are looking at employing AI-powered autonomous robot dogs in drug lab raids to protect officers from criminal risks, hazardous chemicals, and explosions." New Scientist's Matthew Sparkes (also a long-time Slashdot reader) shares this report:Dutch police are planning to use an autonomous robotic dog in drug lab raids to avoid placing officers at risk from criminals, dangerous chemicals and explosions. If tests in mocked-up scenarios go well, the artificial intelligence-powered robot will be deployed in real raids, say police. Simon Prins at Politie Nederland, the Dutch police force, has been testing and using robots in criminal investigations for more than two decades, but says they are only now growing capable enough to be practical for more... Some context from Interesting Engineering:The police force in the Netherlands carries out such raids at least three to four times a week... Since 2021, the force has already been using a Spot quadruped, fitted with a robotic arm, from Boston Dynamics to carry out drug raids and surveillance. However, the Spot is remotely controlled by a handler... [Significant technological advancements] have prompted the Dutch force to explore fully autonomous operations with Spot. Reportedly, such AI-enabled autonomous robots are expected to inspect drug labs, ensure no criminals are present, map the area, and identify dangerous chemicals... Initial tests by force suggest that Spot could explore and map a mock drug lab measuring 15 meters by 20 meters. It was able to find hazardous chemicals and put them away into a designated storage container. Their article notes that Spot "can do laser scans and visual, thermal, radiation, and acoustic inspections using add-on payloads and onboard cameras." (A video from Boston Dynamics - the company behind Spot - also seems to show the robot dog spraying something on a fire.) The video seems aimed at police departments, touting the robot dog's advantages for "safety and incident response": Enables safer investigation of suspicious packages Detection of hazardous chemicals De-escalation of tense or dangerous situations Get eyes on dangerous situationsIt also notes the robot "can be operated from a safe distance," suggesting customers "Use Spot(R) to place cameras, radios, and more for tactical reconnaissance."

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