President-elect Donald J. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home now features a United States Secret Service robot dog as part of its security team. The newest addition to his security team has even been spotted on regular patrols around the estate.
Boston Dynamics supplied the high-tech security robot, which comes with a range of advanced surveillance tools designed to ensure the safety of the President-elect and his team.
First reported by the New York Post (NY Post), the quadruped security robot has been seen patrolling the Florida estate, moving effortlessly around its lawns and pavements.
Warning signs like “DO NOT PET” indicate that this new robot dog means business. As you can imagine, technical details of the robot dog’s full capabilities are not publicly available.
Trump’s new robot dog security detail
Still, given its role as part of the Secret Service, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. This is especially the case after the President-Elect had two very close calls with would-be assassins (perhaps even three).
“Safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority,” Anthony Guglielmi, U.S. Secret Service Chief of Communications, shared in a statement with USA Today on Friday (November 6).
“While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations,” he added.
The Secret Service showcased the capabilities of robots in a video shared during the NATO Summit held in Washington, D.C., in July 2024. In the video, a Secret Service official explains that these robots are part of the “ASTRO” program, which stands for “Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation.”
The official stated that the “dogs” can be equipped with technology to detect bombs and chemical threats. They are fitted with cameras that have thermal imaging and high-resolution zoom capabilities.
“I’m kind of excited to see what’s going to come out [of the ASTRO program] as it [progresses],” an official explains. “With just a quick download, the robot just continues to improve with every software update,” they added.
Also used by the police, firefighters, and military
NY Post also highlighted the growing popularity of robot dogs in the U.S. for safety purposes. For example, police and fire departments increasingly use these robotic dogs to handle dangerous situations.
In New York, in particular, the police have their own “Digidog” robot dogs, which they deploy in hazardous areas instead of sending in officers. Called “K-9” units, their remote-controlled robotic dogs are essentially saving lives and keeping the peace.
For instance, following the collapse of a parking garage in New York last year, the fire department utilized a robot dog to search for survivors among the rubble. This technology allows robots to navigate where it would be too dangerous for people to go.
Robotic dogs are also now being employed by various military forces worldwide. For example, they have been deployed in Ukraine to assist soldiers by delivering supplies and monitoring enemy areas, thereby preventing potential human harm.
The United States Army has also commissioned robot dogs for similar roles and purposes.
