Spotting security: Robotic dogs patrol Trump's Mar‑a-Lago estate

In recent days, videos have appeared in the media showing the robot Spot on the grounds of the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Reuters recently reported that security measures at his residence were significantly enhanced after Trump's victory in the presidential elections.

The Secret Service declined to answer BBC's questions regarding the specifics of the robot's use and how long it has been in service. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi only assured that "the protection of the president-elect is the highest priority" and explained that the robot "is equipped with surveillance technology and a wide range of advanced sensors to support protective operations."

The robot's manufacturer, Boston Dynamics, confirmed the Secret Service's use of Spot. Available materials show that the robot is equipped with cameras generating a three-dimensional map of the environment and thermal sensors. According to the BBC, Spot can patrol a larger area than a human, can climb stairs, move in tight spaces, and even open doors.

Despite advanced technology, the robotic dog still requires human control. As the BBC explains, Spot is operated by an operator using a joystick and moves automatically along a pre-programmed route. Unlike a live dog or a human, the robot is not distracted by sounds, smells, or sights.

Political scientist Melissa Michelson from Menlo College in California, quoted by the BBC, compared robotic dogs to driver assistance systems in cars, emphasizing that they also rely on human input. "We still need people behind the scenes to use human judgment and to intervene if the technology fails," the researcher stated.