Robotic Dog "Spot" Joins Secret Service Security Team at Mar-a-Lago

A robotic dog named “Spot,” created by Boston Dynamics, is now part of the US Secret Service's security toolkit. Recently, it has been seen patrolling the grounds of President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Spot doesn’t carry weapons and can be controlled either remotely or automatically, as long as its route is pre-set.

Each Spot has a warning sign on its legs that says, “DO NOT PET.” Political scientist Melissa Michelson from Menlo College commented, “I don't know that anyone is tempted to pet these robot dogs. They do not look cuddly.” Videos of Spot roaming around have gone viral on TikTok. Reactions vary from thinking it’s cool to finding it creepy. It’s even sparked jokes on American late-night shows. But let’s be clear: its mission is serious.

“Safeguarding the president-elect is a top priority,” said Anthony Guglielmi, the US Secret Service's chief of communications. In the months leading up to the presidential election, Trump faced two apparent assassination attempts. The first occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, and the second happened at the Mar-a-Lago golf course in September.

The Secret Service has chosen not to share specific details about using robotic dogs for Trump’s security, citing “concern for operational security.” Boston Dynamics also declined to comment in detail but confirmed that the Secret Service is deploying its Spot robot.

Ron Williams, a former Secret Service agent and now CEO of Talon Companies, believes the assassination attempts have pushed the agency to upgrade its technology. “They want to enhance their ability to detect and deter threats,” he said. At Mar-a-Lago, where much of the area is exposed, robotic dogs are long overdue. “They can cover a lot more ground than humans can,” he added. Williams expects to see these robotic dogs become more common in the future.

It’s not just the Secret Service using them. Robotic dogs are increasingly employed by militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide. For example, a bomb squad in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, bought Spot to inspect potential explosives. Last year, the New York Police Department moved forward with adding robotic canines to their force, despite public concerns about police surveillance.

In Ukraine, these dogs have been used for reconnaissance during the ongoing conflict following Russia’s invasion in 2022. Spot is agile. It can walk up and down stairs, navigate tight spaces, and even open doors. Its ability to detect potential threats is one reason many agencies are willing to pay up to $75,000 for it.

According to Guglielmi, these robotic dogs are “equipped with surveillance technology and advanced sensors that support our protective operations.” Spot comes with multiple cameras that create a 3D map of its surroundings, and it can also have features like thermal sensing.

However, a human operator is essential. “They basically have a joystick controlling the robot dog as it walks around,” explained Missy Cummings, an engineering professor at George Mason University. Spot can also move automatically along predefined routes. Unlike human or real dogs, robotic dogs aren’t distracted by visuals, sounds, or smells.

Despite their impressive features, these devices can be taken down. “You just have to spray it with Aqua Net hairspray in its ‘face,’” Cummings said. “That would be enough to stop the cameras from working correctly.” Although the robotic dog at Mar-a-Lago isn’t armed, Cummings noted that some competitors are experimenting with weaponized models, including a Chinese version that has a rifle attached.

Robotic dogs aren’t meant to replace humans. Michelson likens them to assisted driving technology in cars. “We don’t have a lot of faith in the ability of cars to drive by themselves,” she said. Secret Service agents have been seen patrolling alongside Spot at Mar-a-Lago. “We still need those humans behind the scenes to use human judgment and step in if there’s a technology breakdown,” she added.