Okay this is creepy. If you've ever seen the Black Mirror episode by the name of Metalhead, you'll probably remember this little pup right here.
That episode still gives me nightmares.
But here's something a tad bit more nightmarish:
Yes, these robot dogs, according to DHS, might soon be "walking side-by-side with CBP personnel."
The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is offering U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) a helping hand (or "paw") with new technology that can assist with enhancing the capabilities of CBP personnel, while simultaneously increasing their safety downrange…
In its role as the research and development arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), S&T is always identifying solutions to support the complex CBP mission. For instance, S&T is currently supplementing CBP's bipedal human personnel with quadruped mechanical reinforcements to help the agency better allocate resources. In this case, Man's best friend comes with a very futuristic twist.
"The southern border can be an inhospitable place for man and beast, and that is exactly why a machine may excel there," said S&T program manager, Brenda Long. "This S&T-led initiative focuses on Automated Ground Surveillance Vehicles, or what we call ‘AGSVs.' Essentially, the AGSV program is all about…robot dogs."
So while this does sound a little dystopian, and I'm thinking the use of these pups will not be limited to the southern border for long, I'm at least willing to admit that many human lives will be saved by this technology. If you've ever heard of the Devil's Highway you know how devastating the loss of life can be just north of the border.
There are also many, many other reasons that these dystopian doggies will help save lives.
"Just like anywhere else, you have your standard criminal behavior, but along the border you can also have human smuggling, drug smuggling, as well as smuggling of other contraband—including firearms or even potentially, WMD," explained Agent Brett Becker of the CBP Innovation Team (INVNT). "These activities can be conducted by anyone from just a lone individual, all the way up to transnational criminal organizations, terrorists or hostile governments—and everything in between."
Now, don't write me off as somebody deeply devoted to the use of these dogs. I'm just trying to find some positives.
Here. Here's some stuff to scare you (that's why you're here, isn't it?):
The so-called "payloads" are video and other sensor packages that, after being mounted onto the robot dog, can transmit real-time video and other data back to the human operating or monitoring the AGSV…
Ghost Robotics designed their payload capabilities as an open system. The benefit there is that it makes it easier to integrate different types of cameras (360-degree, thermal, night vision, zoom, etc.) and sensors (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, etc.) onto the robots.
Yup, Big Brother's best friend right there.
And just in case you think you could possibly run away from these little pups...
It is a rugged, quadruped robot. It traverses all types of natural terrain including sand, rocks, and hills, as well as human-built environments, like stairs.
These little guys only move at 3.5 mph, though, so you should be okay for now.
However, doesn't Michael Myers walk at a nice slow pace in those Halloween movies?
Just sayin'.
Also, I just want to note that these robots are capable of carrying and firing rifles, though DHS does not mention the use of weapons in their article.
Yes, our military is currently working with these pups.
Okay, I'll leave you with some more videos just so you can freak out a bit more.
Good luck sleeping tonight!
K bye!
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