NYC Officials Unveil Three High-Tech Policing Devices, Including Controversial Robotic Dog ‘Digidog’

New York City officials unveiled three new high-tech policing devices Tuesday, including a robotic dog that critics called creepy when it first joined the police pack 2 1/2 years ago. The devices, which also include a GPS tracker for stolen cars and a cone-shaped security robot, were displayed at a Times Square press conference attended by police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Mayor Eric Adams and other officials.

Mayor Adams, a Democrat and former police officer, said “Digidog is out of the pound.” The robotic canine, nicknamed Digidog, is equipped with cameras and sensors and is designed to help police officers in dangerous situations.

Commissioner Sewell said the new devices will be rolled out in a manner that is “transparent, consistent and always done in close collaboration with the people we serve.” The GPS tracker for stolen cars will be used to help police officers locate stolen vehicles more quickly. The cone-shaped security robot will be used to patrol public spaces and alert police officers to any suspicious activity.

The new devices are part of the city’s effort to use technology to improve public safety. While the robotic dog has been met with criticism, Mayor Adams said it is an important tool for police officers. “We are using technology to keep our city safe,” he said. “We are using technology to make sure that our police officers are safe.”