<p>Nearly two years after discontinuing the use of the controversial robot dog, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is bringing it back.&nbsp;The usage of Digidog was viewed by New Yorkers as an unnecessary and uncomfortable expansion of severe policing in April 2021, so the city's law enforcement officials sent the robot back to Boston Dynamics, its maker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2020, the police department made their initial announcement&nbsp;of the Digidog. It had generated criticism because of its striking resemblance to a fictitious dystopian killer robot dog that was shown in a Black Mirror episode.</p>

<p>The Digidog will be reintroduced, according to NYC mayor Eric Adams, who added during a press conference on Tuesday that it can "save lives". The Digidog will be used for "assessing hazardous situations" in the city.</p>

<p>"In terms of public safety, the New York City Police Department has always been in the forefront. They improve, assess, and develop fresh approaches to safeguard our city,"&nbsp;Adams tweeted on Wednesday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Future of Public Safety is NOW:<br />
<br />
🐕Digidog is a RC K-9 robot for use in assessing hazardous situations<br />
🚙StarChase pilot will test a projectile that attaches a GPS-enabled device to stolen or ghost vehicles<br />
🚨K5 ASR pilot will help conduct automated patrol in confined areas <a href="https://t.co/4Qp05ph81o">pic.twitter.com/4Qp05ph81o</a></p>
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayorsOffice/status/1645856845163122688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Critics compared Digidog to a surveillance drone, following its use by law enforcement in a home invasion in the Bronx in 2021, raising concerns that it would be employed as a dystopian overseer by the police.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virtual-news-presenter-generated-using-artificial-intelligence-for-kuwaiti-media-outlet-581243">Virtual news presenter generated using artificial intelligence for Kuwaiti media outlet</a></p>

<p>“A few loud people were opposed to it, and we took a step back – that is not how I operate. I operate on looking at what’s best for the city.” Adams said in an announcement on Wednesday, adding that the “technology is here”.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYPDnews</a> has always been on the cutting edge of public safety. They upgrade, evaluate and innovate new ways to protect our city. Today we saw that in action in <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesSquareNYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesSquareNYC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/T9JhptafL1">https://t.co/T9JhptafL1</a></p>
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1645857539190398976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In a tweet from 2021, New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised the usage of the robot dog for "testing on low-income communities of colour with under-resourced schools."</p>

<p>“Shout out to everyone who fought against community advocates who demanded these resources go to investments like school counselling instead,” she had tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The NYPD is officially adding robot dogs.<br />
<br />
The "Digidog" weighs 70 pounds and moves at a top speed of 3.5 miles per hour.<br />
<br />
They'll sic these on peaceful protesters.<br />
<br />
We're fucked.<a href="https://t.co/NhbAi5OP9T">pic.twitter.com/NhbAi5OP9T</a></p>
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/davenewworld_2/status/1645918675088670724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Then, the NYPD quickly withdrew its $94,000 lease agreement with Boston Dynamics.</p>

<p>However, it appears that the police department will now spend a total of $750,000 on two robot dogs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Robot with ChatGPT shakes up Cyprus classrooms</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/robot-with-chatgpt-shakes-up-cyprus-classrooms-579448/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to the police, who spoke to the NYT, the Digidogs will only be deployed in life-threatening circumstances, including bomb threats.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Nearly two years after discontinuing the use of the controversial robot dog, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is bringing it back. The usage of Digidog was viewed by New Yorkers as an unnecessary and uncomfortable expansion of severe policing in April 2021, so the city's law enforcement officials sent the robot back to Boston Dynamics, its maker.

Nearly two years after discontinuing the use of the controversial robot dog, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is bringing it back. The usage of Digidog was viewed by New Yorkers as an unnecessary and uncomfortable expansion of severe policing in April 2021, so the city's law enforcement officials sent the robot back to Boston Dynamics, its maker. In December 2020, the police department made their initial announcement of the Digidog. It had generated criticism because of its striking resemblance to a fictitious dystopian killer robot dog that was shown in a Black Mirror episode. The Digidog will be reintroduced, according to NYC mayor Eric Adams, who added during a press conference on Tuesday that it can "save lives". The Digidog will be used for "assessing hazardous situations" in the city. "In terms of public safety, the New York City Police Department has always been in the forefront. They improve, assess, and develop fresh approaches to safeguard our city," Adams tweeted on Wednesday. The Future of Public Safety is NOW: 🐕Digidog is a RC K-9 robot for use in assessing hazardous situations 🚙StarChase pilot will test a projectile that attaches a GPS-enabled device to stolen or ghost vehicles 🚨K5 ASR pilot will help conduct automated patrol in confined areas pic.twitter.com/4Qp05ph81o — NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) April 11, 2023 × Critics compared Digidog to a surveillance drone, following its use by law enforcement in a home invasion in the Bronx in 2021, raising concerns that it would be employed as a dystopian overseer by the police. ALSO READ | Virtual news presenter generated using artificial intelligence for Kuwaiti media outlet “A few loud people were opposed to it, and we took a step back – that is not how I operate. I operate on looking at what’s best for the city.” Adams said in an announcement on Wednesday, adding that the “technology is here”. .@NYPDnews has always been on the cutting edge of public safety. They upgrade, evaluate and innovate new ways to protect our city. Today we saw that in action in @TimesSquareNYC. https://t.co/T9JhptafL1 — Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 11, 2023 × In a tweet from 2021, New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticised the usage of the robot dog for "testing on low-income communities of colour with under-resourced schools." “Shout out to everyone who fought against community advocates who demanded these resources go to investments like school counselling instead,” she had tweeted. The NYPD is officially adding robot dogs. The "Digidog" weighs 70 pounds and moves at a top speed of 3.5 miles per hour. They'll sic these on peaceful protesters. We're fucked.pic.twitter.com/NhbAi5OP9T — Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) April 11, 2023 × Then, the NYPD quickly withdrew its $94,000 lease agreement with Boston Dynamics. However, it appears that the police department will now spend a total of $750,000 on two robot dogs. ALSO WATCH | Robot with ChatGPT shakes up Cyprus classrooms According to the police, who spoke to the NYT, the Digidogs will only be deployed in life-threatening circumstances, including bomb threats. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Robotic dogs set to make a comeback to New York police department despite earlier criticism

<p>The New York Police Department (NYPD) has a new addition to their force and it is scaring everyone, including some of the political leaders.</p>

<p>This new addition to the force is a 70-pound robotic dog with long legs, cameras and lights attached to its frame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Named 'Digidog', this metal structured-robot dog can see in the dark and helps assess any possible threats and how safe it is for the officers to enter a building.</p>

<p>It also has a two-way communication system that will allow the officers in the control room to gain remote access and live footage of the scene of the crime, helping them to see and hear what is happening.</p>

<p>"The N.Y.P.D. has been using robots since the 1970s to save lives in hostage situations &amp; hazmat incidents," the NYPD said on Twitter. "This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our emergency service unit and bomb squad."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The NYPD has been using robots since the 1970's to save lives in hostage situations &amp; hazmat incidents. This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our Emergency Service Unit and Bomb Squad. <a href="https://t.co/134Xl0ezox">https://t.co/134Xl0ezox</a></p>
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/1365083501989609477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While some have hailed technology and the ease it provides, others are sceptical about the power technology is being given.</p>

<p>One of the main critics of this Digidog is US Representative&nbsp;Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has labelled this new addition as a "robotic surveillance ground drone".</p>

<p>"Shout out to everyone who fought against community advocates who demanded these resources go to investments like school counseling instead," she tweeted. "Now robotic surveillance ground drones are being deployed for testing on low-income communities of color with under-resourced schools."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?</p>
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1365023067769098245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Lashing out at the apparent lack of priority, she questioned the funding of the Digidog. "Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?"</p>

<p>While AOC is worried about the disturbing prioritisation of funds, others have pointed out the scary resemblance between the new model of NYPD's Digidog and a similar robot dog featured in an episode of the popular sci-fi series Black Mirror.</p>

<p>In one of the episodes of the futuristic series, a similar-looking robotic dog is featured which gradually leads to the doom of humanity.</p>

<p>Here's how Twitterati reacted to the scary similarities</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Every piano in New York needs to get dropped on this little dude <a href="https://t.co/CC0q7U5w77">https://t.co/CC0q7U5w77</a></p>
— 🌧Syd Meeker🌧 (@SydMeeker) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydMeeker/status/1365285056063807495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Destroy these immediately if you see one. <a href="https://t.co/vnI6M3auo3">https://t.co/vnI6M3auo3</a></p>
— Patrick Fenelon 🌹 (@Patrick_Fenelon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Patrick_Fenelon/status/1364362339420672005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope this shit ends up like that hitchhiking Robot in Philly <a href="https://t.co/uy8yYwU9ty">https://t.co/uy8yYwU9ty</a></p>
— Actually_its_now_sad_winter_time_Tina (@Actually_Tina) <a href="https://twitter.com/Actually_Tina/status/1364732103108087810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I've seen this t.v. show - it doesn't end well for humanity. <a href="https://t.co/5fbU7od03Z">pic.twitter.com/5fbU7od03Z</a></p>
— Blumey (@Mikeblumey) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mikeblumey/status/1364278564535762946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well I kinda know what will happen next <a href="https://t.co/LcHYoiaj7k">pic.twitter.com/LcHYoiaj7k</a></p>
— Cyborg With Human Hair (@ImCyborgNThtzOk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImCyborgNThtzOk/status/1364296092477575169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I know what will happen next( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) <a href="https://t.co/kZsaTt4yX9">pic.twitter.com/kZsaTt4yX9</a></p>
— KAIKOINU-ARTS🔞絵垢 (@KkiArts) <a href="https://twitter.com/KkiArts/status/1366387084609523717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The New York Police Department (NYPD) has a new addition to their force and it is scaring everyone, including some of the political leaders. This new addition to the force is a 70-pound robotic dog with long legs, cameras and lights attached to its frame.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has a new addition to their force and it is scaring everyone, including some of the political leaders. This new addition to the force is a 70-pound robotic dog with long legs, cameras and lights attached to its frame. Named 'Digidog', this metal structured-robot dog can see in the dark and helps assess any possible threats and how safe it is for the officers to enter a building. It also has a two-way communication system that will allow the officers in the control room to gain remote access and live footage of the scene of the crime, helping them to see and hear what is happening. "The N.Y.P.D. has been using robots since the 1970s to save lives in hostage situations & hazmat incidents," the NYPD said on Twitter. "This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our emergency service unit and bomb squad." The NYPD has been using robots since the 1970's to save lives in hostage situations & hazmat incidents. This model of robot is being tested to evaluate its capabilities against other models in use by our Emergency Service Unit and Bomb Squad. https://t.co/134Xl0ezox — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) February 25, 2021 × While some have hailed technology and the ease it provides, others are sceptical about the power technology is being given. One of the main critics of this Digidog is US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has labelled this new addition as a "robotic surveillance ground drone". "Shout out to everyone who fought against community advocates who demanded these resources go to investments like school counseling instead," she tweeted. "Now robotic surveillance ground drones are being deployed for testing on low-income communities of color with under-resourced schools." Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this? — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 25, 2021 × Lashing out at the apparent lack of priority, she questioned the funding of the Digidog. "Please ask yourself: when was the last time you saw next-generation, world class technology for education, healthcare, housing, etc consistently prioritized for underserved communities like this?" While AOC is worried about the disturbing prioritisation of funds, others have pointed out the scary resemblance between the new model of NYPD's Digidog and a similar robot dog featured in an episode of the popular sci-fi series Black Mirror. In one of the episodes of the futuristic series, a similar-looking robotic dog is featured which gradually leads to the doom of humanity. Here's how Twitterati reacted to the scary similarities Every piano in New York needs to get dropped on this little dude https://t.co/CC0q7U5w77 — 🌧Syd Meeker🌧 (@SydMeeker) February 26, 2021 × Destroy these immediately if you see one. https://t.co/vnI6M3auo3 — Patrick Fenelon 🌹 (@Patrick_Fenelon) February 23, 2021 × I hope this shit ends up like that hitchhiking Robot in Philly https://t.co/uy8yYwU9ty — Actually_its_now_sad_winter_time_Tina (@Actually_Tina) February 25, 2021 × I've seen this t.v. show - it doesn't end well for humanity. pic.twitter.com/5fbU7od03Z — Blumey (@Mikeblumey) February 23, 2021 × Well I kinda know what will happen next pic.twitter.com/LcHYoiaj7k — Cyborg With Human Hair (@ImCyborgNThtzOk) February 23, 2021 × I know what will happen next( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) pic.twitter.com/kZsaTt4yX9 — KAIKOINU-ARTS🔞絵垢 (@KkiArts) March 1, 2021 ×

NYPD has a new addition which reminds people of Black Mirror

digidog

Digidog, News on Digidog, stories on Digidog, articles on Digidog, Digidog stories at Wion, Digidog news, Digidog latest news