Since 2021, the force has used Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped, equipped with a robotic arm, for drug raids and surveillance.Now, the Dutch police are looking at employing AI-powered autonomous robot dogs in drug lab raids to protect officers from criminal risks, hazardous chemicals, and explosions.
In recent years, quadruped robots have undergone significant technological advancements, enabling them to navigate various terrains, endure extreme temperatures, and carry out more complex tasks. This has prompted the Dutch force to explore fully autonomous operations with Spot. Initial tests by force suggest that Spot could explore and map a mock drug lab measuring 15 meters by 20 meters. It was able to find hazardous chemicals and put them away into a designated storage container.