Why President-elect Donald Trump has deployed robot dogs along with Secret Service to patrol Mar-A-Lago

In a high-tech twist to presidential security, robotic dogs are now patrolling President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

The US Secret Service has recently deployed Boston Dynamics’ robotic canine, Spot, to bolster security around the property. Equipped with surveillance technology and advanced sensors, these mechanical dogs are a part of the evolving toolkit to keep Trump safe.

🚨🚨
Donald Trump has increased his security detail at Mar-a-Lago and now has a robotic dog patrolling the property.

A large warning sign on the side of the robotic dog reads: "Do Not Pet"

The robot dog called “Spot” was made by a company called Boston Dynamics and can be… pic.twitter.com/IGGbtMq3t3

— 🇺🇸↪️aptain Ⓜ️organ🇺🇸 (@CaptainMorganTN) November 9, 2024

While Spot isn’t armed, it’s fully equipped to patrol pre-programmed routes or be controlled remotely. Passers-by might be tempted to approach, but each robot has a clear warning: “DO NOT PET.” Despite their efficient design, political scientist Melissa Michelson pointed out that Spot doesn’t have the friendliest appearance.

Video clips of the robot have gone viral on TikTok, sparking a mix of fascination and unease and even inspiring jokes on late-night TV. But despite the humour, the mission behind Spot is serious.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

America ready for self-driving cars, but it has a legal problem

Alibaba, Baidu begin using own AI chips as China shifts away from US tech amid Nvidia row

Security concerns after assassination attempts

The urgency for enhanced security measures comes after two recent assassination attempts against Trump. One occurred in July at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and another in September at Mar-a-Lago’s golf course. While the Secret Service has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Spot’s deployment, citing operational security, experts believe these threats have accelerated the adoption of advanced technology.

Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent, explained that robotic dogs are effective in sprawling properties like Mar-a-Lago. They can cover more ground than human agents alone, making them valuable for surveillance and threat detection. Williams also mentioned that the use of robotic dogs is on the rise among law enforcement and military agencies worldwide, from bomb squads in Pennsylvania to reconnaissance operations in Ukraine.

Spot’s Impressive Abilities and Limitations

Spot’s agility is one of its standout features. It can climb stairs, navigate tight spaces, and even open doors. But its primary purpose at Mar-a-Lago is threat detection, supported by multiple cameras that create a 3D map of the area and sensors that can include thermal imaging. Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi highlighted the importance of this technology in enhancing protective operations.

However, Missy Cummings, an engineering professor and robotics expert at George Mason University, noted that Spot isn’t autonomous. It still requires a human operator with a joystick to manage its movements. And while the robotic dog is immune to typical distractions, it has vulnerabilities. Cummings mentioned that something as simple as a blast of hairspray could disable its cameras.

The Future of Robotic Security

Although Spot isn’t armed, there are already robotic dogs being tested with weapons. Cummings referenced a Chinese model with an attached rifle, illustrating how rapidly the technology is evolving. Despite these advancements, robotic dogs won’t be replacing human agents anytime soon. Michelson likened Spot’s role to assisted-driving technology in cars: impressive but still needing human oversight. Secret Service agents continue to patrol alongside Spot, ready to intervene if technology fails. The future of security may be high-tech, but human judgment remains essential.