The growing use of robot “dogs” in policing across the country has raised ethical concerns and the public is calling for oversight and transparency.

“Spot” is a German Shepherd-size robot being deployed by around 60 departments in the United States. It can intervene in situations that may be life-threatening for a human police officer or dog. The ways departments use the technology can have a big impact on public perception, Co-Director Ryan Calo said in the article.

“The unease people feel around robotics is not just a psychological quirk,” he said. “They are disconcerting for a reason. The overuse of robotics in policing will further dehumanize police to the public and break down those community ties that have been so important to policing over so many years.”

Calo emphasized the need for transparency and thoughtfulness when determining when and where robot dogs should be used.

“I don’t think every police officer needs a robot partner,” he said. “But the use of robots in certain situations that have been specified in writing in advance is good. No one wants police to risk their lives or fail to gain situational awareness during an emergency — nor do we want to live in a robotic police state.”

Read the full article here.