Representational picture.
Florida: Beefing up security for the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, a robotic dog has been deployed at the premises of his Mar-a-Lago estate, The New York Post reported.
NEW: Donald Trump has reportedly beefed up his security detail at Mar-a-Lago and now has a robotic dog patrolling the property.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
A large warning sign on the side of the robotic dog reads: " Do Not Pet"
The robot dog was made by Boston Dynamics and is equipped with… pic.twitter.com/qLktzbf3m3
The new addition to Trump's security comes days after his win in the US Presidential elections.
The report says that the robotic dog is patrolling the estate premises in Palm Beach, Florida, walking amid palm trees surrounding the property. The robot, which bears a "DO NOT PET" warning on its side, is manufactured by Boston Dynamics. It is reportedly equipped with surveillance technology.
The United States Secret Service told the New York Post, confirming the deployment of the robot dog, that it was part of an ongoing effort to safeguard the President-elect. A spokesperson for the agency told the Post that safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority. Though they cannot get into the specifics of the dog's capabilities, the dogs are equipped with surveillance technology and an array of advanced sensors that support protective operations.
According to NDTV, Trump survived two assassination attempts during his campaign. He has been working on assembling his incoming administration at the estate following his victory in the recently concluded polls.
NDTV reports that robotic dogs are becoming popular among public safety agencies across the US. These machines are capable of keeping law enforcement officers and first responders out of harm's way in dangerous situations.
Last year, the New York Police Department (NYPD) unveiled a robotic K-9 unit dubbed "Dididogs". Mayor Eric Adams announced this fresh induction last year. Further, these dogs are deployed in more critical life-saving roles like searching for survivors in building wreckages.
Also, Ukraine used some 30 robot dogs, priced at $9,000 each, during resistance against Russian forces. They served as reconnaissance units that were able to deliver supplies instead of using human soldiers.