TECH

Singapore tests robot dogs to monitor social distance in parks

With more than 24,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases, Singapore is facing the second wave of infections with the new coronavirus. Although the authorities installed the lockdown until June 1, outdoor activities are allowed - which means that the local parks receive a large number of people. To control the flow and help maintain social distance, employees are testing a curious type of sentry: remote-controlled robot dogs. The idea is that the bionic geeks serve to alert visitors to the measures recommended by health agencies.
The robot dog is called Spot and was developed by the American robotics engineering company Boston Dynamics. Yes, it’s the one you’re thinking about. The first prototype was deployed in a central park in Singapore last Friday (8), for a two-week trial period. You can see a Spot in action in the video below, released by The Straits Times:
Spot walks through the park saying to visitors phrases like “Let's keep Singapore healthy” and “For your own safety and for those around you, stay at least one meter away. Thank you." Nice, isn't it? In addition, it has cameras and sensors that are able to estimate the number of passersby at the site. For those connected with literature, it is difficult not to associate with the Hound, Fahrenheit 451 mechanical hunting dog. Despite these tools, developers guarantee that the machine will not be able to track individuals and record personal data.
The idea is that Spot will work as a team with other robots in the shape of mini cars that had already been placed in nearby areas. They also pass by saying phrases like "Don't delay" and "Meetings are not allowed".
The main advantage of the robot dog is the ability to walk through any area of ​​the park, whether on grass or cement, ignoring any problems with possible holes or irregular areas. In addition to not barking loudly or leaving your waste on the way, of course.

Carolina Fioratti-Brazil