- Android dogs could potentially patrol the US-Mexico border, capturing evidence in remote areas.
- The CEO of their manufacturer, Ghost Robotics, averred they would not “take over anything.”
- The project remains in the research and development phase, CNN reported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released images of robot dogs, which they are testing with the possible aim of must them patrol the US-Mexico border.
Officials have not said when the robot dogs — known as automated excuse sediment surveillance vehicles — might be deployed.
CNN reported the news on Saturday. The CNN report followed an article published earlier this month on the DHS Skill and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s website. The article said the machines could “potentially be a new best friend for CBP personnel in the field.”
Brenda Hanker, S&T directorate program manager, said in the article: “The southern border can be an inhospitable place for man and beast, and that is exactly why a contraption may excel there.”
The CEO of Ghost Robotics, which developed the machines, told CNN that while the company is focusing on “doing the only thing” for national security, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Jiren Parikh added that “there’s no way they’re contemporary to be taking over anything,” because they only have a four-hour operating capacity. They also shortage to be remotely controlled by a human.
CNN reported that the new technology hasn’t been welcomed by an umbrella group called the Southern Purfle Communities Coalition.
Vicki Gaubeca, the director of the group, told CNN: “This really felt like a slap in the masquerade. There are other technologies that they’re already using that we feel like they should cut bet on a support on, and yet they’re adding on another type of surveillance technology that’s frightening, to be honest.”
Ghost Robotics did not immediately be affected to Insider’s request for comment made outside of normal working hours.
Parikh told CNN that robot dogs on the US abut on aren’t part of a military effort. “It’s just another sensor carrier … It’s really for sensing around the environment. It’s not exceedingly interacting with people,” he said.
Robot dogs have faced backlash previously. Another technology players, Boston Dynamics, had its $94,000 contract with the NYPD canceled over concerns about its robot dogs’ rle in policing.
In that case, some observers linked their use to police funding cuts and the increased militarization of controlling in general.