New York police officers are expanding their use of Boston Dynamics’ Digidog robots to patrol city streets, a development that has circulated widely after appearing in online clips and broadcasts. The revelation came as the city showcased the devices at a high-profile event in Times Square, underscoring a broader push to modernize the department’s toolkit. The robot dog first entered service in 2020, when the NYPD took a bold, controversial step under former mayor Bill de Blasio to add robotic support to its ranks.
Current Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly signaled his intent to pursue what he views as the best possible outcomes for the city, resisting critics who question the necessity or cost of deploying robotic assistance in policing. He emphasized a pragmatic approach, noting that the Digidog would be used selectively and only when it clearly benefits public safety and officer welfare in challenging environments. “I’m trying to find the best for the city”, he remarked, framing the decision as a careful balancing of risk, efficiency, and accountability.
Officials described the Digidog as a remote-controlled device weighing about 32 kilograms, designed to operate in dangerous or high-risk situations where putting officers at risk might be warranted. In scenarios such as armed standoffs or hostage incidents, the mayor explained, the robot could be deployed to survey interiors, relay real-time intelligence, and reduce the number of officers exposed to danger. This capability aligns with a growing trend across major cities to integrate robotics into tactical operations while maintaining human oversight and communication with residents and negotiators on the ground.
News coverage highlighted a spectrum of opinions about the initiative. Critics have raised concerns about the potential for overreliance on technology, the cost implications for city budgets, and the broader implications for civil liberties and community trust. A spokesperson for Police Reform, Ileana Mendez-Penate, pointed to ongoing debates about how much technology should shape policing practices and how budgets are allocated to support public safety in a financially stressed city. The discussion reflects a wider national conversation about the role of advanced tools in law enforcement and the safeguards needed to ensure accountability and transparency.
Beyond the core city program, there were additional references to robotics in other contexts tied to security and infrastructure. Reports noted that a Swiss technology company, Digital Realty, had previously engaged with robotic operations in critical facilities, including data centers, to monitor and patrol premises. While this collaboration illustrates the broader interest in leveraging autonomous or remotely operated devices for protective purposes, it also underscores the varied settings in which robotic systems are deployed and the need for clear protocols to manage risk, privacy, and civilian interaction.
As the city continues to evaluate the role of robotic assistance within its policing framework, administrators stress the importance of ongoing assessment and public dialogue. The dialogue encompasses not only the technical performance of devices like the Digidog but also the human factors that influence perceptions of safety, fairness, and legitimacy. Proponents argue that such tools can reduce exposure to dangerous situations for officers and enhance situational awareness in rapidly evolving incidents. Critics stress careful scrutiny of deployment criteria, training standards, and the safeguards that protect civil rights and constitutional protections for residents.
In practical terms, the NYPD has indicated that robots like the Digidog would be used as force-multiplier technology in appropriate contexts, complementing, rather than replacing, traditional policing methods. The goal, as stated by city officials, is to improve response times, enable rapid information gathering, and support negotiation teams when human entry might otherwise expose personnel to elevated risk. The ongoing evaluation process includes reviews of incident outcomes, safety metrics, and community impact to ensure that the technology serves the public interest and aligns with the department’s accountability frameworks. (Associated Press)