“Spot”, the quadruped robot from Boston Dynamics, may be best known for its playful online dances, but its ability to climb stairs and open doors points to a more serious and controversial role as a police tool. Five years after its commercial debut, the 75-pound robot is increasingly being deployed by local law enforcement authorities to handle armed confrontations, hostage rescues, and hazardous materials incidents—situations that could otherwise threaten human or real canine lives.
Article contents:
- Growing deployment in police forces
- Ethical concerns and questions about militarization
- Spot in the field: Real-world use cases
- The technology behind Spot
- Evolution of police robots
- Costs and public criticism
- Regulation and the future
- Frequently asked questions
Growing deployment in police forces
According to data shared by Boston Dynamics, more than 60 bomb squad and SWAT teams in the United States and Canada now use the Spot robot. This growing interest reflects a broader trend as defense and public safety agencies adopt advanced technologies to enhance their operations. Defense technology funding rose past $28 billion in 2025, a 200% year-over-year increase, even as broader venture capital markets slowed down.
Ethical concerns and questions about militarization
The use of such technology raises questions about ethics, oversight, and the risks of deploying military-style tools in civilian environments. Some civil liberties groups and technologists warn that the use of semi-autonomous robots in law enforcement could normalize a more militarized approach to policing.
Beryl Lipton, an investigative researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), says: “One of the things we’re concerned about with so-called robot dogs is this normalization and this emotional framing of calling it a dog.” She adds: “It normalizes that for the public when it’s not actually a dog. It’s another piece of police technology.”
Spot in the field: Real-world use cases
Spot’s role within law enforcement teams varies. In 2022, it approached a man who attempted to kidnap his son in Florida to monitor the situation and see if he was armed. In Massachusetts last year, it helped assess a chemical waste incident at a middle school.
In another incident, Spot intervened when a suspect held his mother hostage with a knife and fired at officers. Spot was deployed to corner him, and police eventually followed up with tear gas to make the arrest. Trooper John Ragusa, a bomb squad member with the Massachusetts State Police, said: “It did its job. The suspect was stunned, wondering: What is this dog?”
The technology behind Spot
The robot, which starts at around $100,000, can operate autonomously in many cases, but still relies on human operators to make decisions in high-stakes situations. Using a tablet resembling a video game controller, an operator directs the machine while monitoring a live video feed from its onboard camera system. Additional built-in sensors handle navigation and mapping.
Evolution of police robots
The use of robots in emergency situations is not new. Bomb squads have relied on ground-based robots since the 1980s. What sets Spot apart, according to Robin Murphy, professor emerita of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University, is its quadruped design, which gives it much greater agility and dexterity than traditional robots that move on tracks or wheels.
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There are currently nearly 2,000 Spot units in operation globally, including with organizations like the Dutch Ministry of Defense and the Italian National Police.
Costs and public criticism
Costs are not the only concern. In 2021, the New York City Police Department temporarily suspended its limited use of Spot following public backlash, as critics questioned the expenses amid city budget constraints and the robot’s broader surveillance role. The NYPD later reinstated the program and purchased two robots.
The Massachusetts State Police currently own two Spot robots, each costing about $250,000 including attachments, funded primarily through state grants.
Regulation and the future
Boston Dynamics says it requires its public safety customers to specify exactly how Spot will be used before shipping a unit. However, the EFF’s Lipton says company goodwill cannot be relied upon when tools are in the hands of law enforcement authorities, emphasizing the need for state and federal laws that provide baseline guidelines on what is appropriate.
Ryan Calo, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law, believes robots can play a valuable role when used transparently and within clear boundaries. He says: “I don’t think every police officer needs a robot partner. But using robots in specific situations mapped out in writing beforehand is fine. No one wants the police risking their lives… and we don’t want to live in a robotic police state.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Spot robot?
It is an advanced quadruped robot developed by Boston Dynamics, designed to navigate difficult terrain and increasingly used by police in dangerous situations.
How much does Spot cost?
The base price starts at around $100,000, but with add-ons, the cost can reach $250,000 or more per unit.
What are the main ethical concerns?
Key concerns include police militarization, increased surveillance, the normalization of military technology use in civilian environments, and the erosion of trust between police and the community.
