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Robot dog SPOT patrolling the parks in Singapore Four-legged Spot is a robot. It is there to remind park visitors to keep a safe distance from one another. Starting today, a Spot unit will patrol the city’s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park as part of a two-week trial, broadcasting prerecorded messages “to remind park visitors to observe safe distancing measures.” Singapore authorities say the robot won’t be used to identify individuals. The robot is fitted with cameras that will be used to estimate the number of visitors to the park, but Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) says it won’t collect personal data or use the video to identify individuals. Spot is remotely controlled, but it has built-in sensors to stop collisions and will be accompanied by a guide. If the trial is successful, NParks says the robot could be deployed full-time during peak hours in the park. Using the robot will reduce the need for staff to patrol the grounds, says NParks, and it “lowers the risk of exposure to the virus.” According to local newspaper The Straits Times, the board is also considering deploying the robot elsewhere in the city. Signs posted in the park ask visitors not to “disrupt” the robot on its patrols. Later, these dogs will be used to deliver medicine.
