NYPD backs off from deploying Digidogs for now
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has reversed its decision to deploy robot dogs, dubbed Digidog, to the streets.
After increasing outcry, John Miller, NYPD deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism, announced Wednesday that the plan had been canceled.
As a result, the NYPD ended its contract with the robot dog maker, Boston Dynamics, on April 22.
“People had figured out the catchphrases and the language to somehow make this evil,” Miller told The New York Times.
They can afford literally robot watch dogs but not covid relief pic.twitter.com/Czqn3ExG2J
— R we ready yet? (@tonyjoyce6) February 25, 2021
'Not meant to intimidate people'
The comments came amid rampant police brutality in the US, mostly against African Americans and people of color.
Protests seeking justice for the victims have also been violent at times.
“For now, this is a casualty of politics, bad information and cheap sound bytes,” Miller claimed. “We should have named it ‘Lassie.’”
According to Boston Dynamics, the robot dogs were not meant to intimidate people.
“We support local communities reviewing the allocation of public funds, and believe Spot is a cost-effective tool comparable to historical robotic devices used by public safety to inspect hazardous environments," a company spokesperson said.
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