NYPD reintroduces robot dog, other high-tech policing devices

New York City officials have unveiled three new high-tech policing devices Tuesday, April 11, including a robotic dog that critics called “creepy” and “dystopian” when it had first joined the police pack over two years ago. During a press conference unveiling event in Times Square, Mayor Eric Adams reintroduced the tech and said the “technology is here” and that the city “cannot be afraid of it.”

Adams said the remote-controlled, 70-pound “Digidog” will be deployed in risky situations like hostage standoffs starting this summer. Adams added that he won’t bow to anti-robot dog pressure, as reported by The Associated Press.

The NYPD also revealed another device: The K5 Autonomous Security Robot, which includes a built-in camera and a help button. Adams compared it to a Roomba. Police officials said it will be rolled out in the Times Square subway station in a seven-month pilot program starting this summer.

Meanwhile, officials also unveiled a tracking system called StarChase that will allow police to shoot a GPS tag onto stolen cars to track them down. The New York Police Department’s pilot program for using the system will last 90 days, officials said.

While some police reform advocates are skeptical about the need for such technology and its costs, Adams insisted that it is necessary to properly keep cities safe.

“If we were not willing to move forward and use technology on how to properly keep cities safe, then you will not keep up with those who are doing harmful things to hurt New Yorkers,” Adams said.