:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/YNKWOJ3U5ZF2ZJXXHAIOSGZQKQ.jpeg "A police robot dog was key to preventing an armed man from putting human lives at risk")
Robot Dog Plays Crucial Role in Massachusetts Standoff
In a groundbreaking operation in Massachusetts, a robot dog belonging to the State Police bomb disposal team played a vital role in preventing a potential tragedy during a confrontation with an armed individual barricaded in a home in Barnstable.
The incident marked the first time that a Boston Dynamics canine robot, known as Spot, was shot in the line of duty. The standoff, which led to the evacuation of local schools, ended with the arrest of Justin Moreira, 30, following a tense standoff.
“We are relieved that the only casualty that day was our robot,” Boston Dynamics stated. “It’s a great example of how mobile robots like Spot can be used to save lives.”
According to reports, police responded to a call and encountered gunfire from the home. In an effort to neutralize the threat without risking human lives, authorities deployed Roscoe, along with two other bomb-defusing robots.
Roscoe’s mission was to locate the suspect within the facility. Despite being shot down twice and sustaining three disabling shots that affected his communication abilities, Roscoe managed to complete his mission.
“The incident showcased the advantages of mobile platforms capable of opening doors and climbing ladders in tactical missions involving armed suspects,” state police said.
After the suspect was subdued with tear gas and taken into custody, Roscoe was sent to Boston Dynamics for bullet extraction. A new unit will be sent to the Massachusetts State Police in place of the injured robot.
Details regarding the suspect’s identity and the charges against him have not been disclosed publicly. This event signifies a significant milestone for Boston Dynamics, demonstrating the effectiveness of robotic technology in high-risk situations.