Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to deploy robotic dogs as part of its immigration enforcement operations.
The agency planning to spend as much as $2 million on Boston Dynamics’ four-legged Spot robots.
The Department of Homeland Security says ICE needs remotely operated robots capable of entering dangerous locations where sending officers could put them at unnecessary risk.
According to procurement documents, the robots will be used for “inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment” in confined, unstable and otherwise difficult-to-access environments.
ICE is expected to spend between $1 million and $2 million purchasing Spot robots and accompanying equipment.
With individual units costing roughly $75,000 before additional equipment, the contract could put dozens of robotic dogs into service.
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