Spot is a robot dog developed by Boston Dynamics and used by the NYPD for various tasks. It was recently seen at an active crime scene that took place in New York City. The NYPD responded to a shooting that occurred over a parking dispute on a Wednesday at around 10 pm. This took place in Cypress Hills in Brooklyn, NY, and Spot was photographed going out with the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit.

Spot the Robot Dog Is Mainly an Inspection Unit

Even though the NYPD was asked how they use the robot dog, it is as of yet unclear what Spot’s duties actually involve. According to Boston Dynamics, Spot was made and programmed to be an inspection robot first, and it is best used to capture data and navigate different terrain. The four-legged robot can carry up to thirty-one pounds of equipment, including inspection gadgets, iPads, and cameras. It weighs roughly 65 pounds and is controlled with a tablet app. However, the robot dog can also be programmed to go on autonomous missions.

The Massachusetts State Police Was the First Agency to Use the Robot Dog

In 2019, the Massachusetts State Police became the first law enforcement agency to put to use the capabilities of the robot dog. It was given to them on loan from Boston Dynamics and was used as a mobile remote observation device. In the past, Spot was also used to aid factory workers and help assess people with health issues.

This time, Spot had to enter an active crime scene. While the role of the robot is unclear, the scene involved a suspected shooter who allegedly opened fire and struck the wife of his intended target. He then ran into a nearby building and barricaded the place. Soon after the NYPD showed up at the scene, the suspected shooter was taken into custody. Give the nature of the situation and the purpose of the robot, people suspect that Spot was deployed to enter the building and investigate the area.

Skydio, a company that has made a name for itself with self-flying, obstacle-dodging drones, has recently made two huge announcements regarding its upcoming drones. The company has launched the new and updated Skydio 2 Plus. It is also providing a free update that will turn the drone into a programmable cameraman. Read on to know more about the technological advancements of the Skydio drones.

Skydio 2 Plus

This latest version of Skydio’s product cost $1,099 and is the fix to its predecessor, Skydio 2’s, biggest shortcoming. The Skydio 2 Plus comes with the kind of long-range, robust connection that the original Skydio 2 was missing, thanks to a new high-power 5GHz Wi-Fi radio and a pair of pop-up antennas. The company also promises a view of up to almost two miles with an optional Skydio 2 Plus Beacon controller and almost four miles if you’re using the optional twin-stick Skydio Controller. The new drone also has nearly 20% more battery and a maximum flight time of 27 minutes, both an improvement over the last model.

Skydio Keyframe

A new feature will soon be unrolled for both Skidio 2 and Skydio 2 Plus. This brand new addition, called Keyframe, makes it possible for anyone to capture continuous choreographed shots with complex, cinematic, and smooth camera motion. With Keyframe, all the pilot has to do is select the start and end shot, along with any interesting points in between, while the drone’s system will do the rest. This feature will allow any user, no matter their skill level, to capture Hollywood-style camera shots.

Skydio Updates

The company has grown massively during the pandemic, now housing more than 400 people. Skydio has also launched the $149 Skydio Care plan which will let you swap your broken drone for a new one for a flat fee of $150, no questions asked.