Days after his victory in the US presidential election, security at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate has been upgraded with a robotic dog. The mechanical dog was spotted patrolling the estate in Palm Beach, Florida as early as November 8, adding a futuristic layer to the estate’s security measures.
According to The New York Post, in the video, the robot dog, built by Boston Dynamics, is seen wandering through the grassy fields amid the palm trees surrounding the property. A warning label on the side reads, “Do not own pets.”
The United States Secret Service confirmed the deployment of the robotic dog as part of ongoing efforts to protect the President-elect. A spokesperson for the agency told the New York Post, “The security of the President-elect is a top priority. Although we can’t reach specific capabilities, robotic dogs are equipped with a range of monitoring technology and advanced sensors that support our protective functions.
Trump, who survived two assassination attempts during his campaign, is working on assembling his incoming administration at Mar-a-Lago following his victory over Kamala Harris.
Robotic dogs have become increasingly popular among public safety agencies across the United States. They provide a way to keep law enforcement officers and first responders out of harm’s way in dangerous situations. The New York Police Department (NYPD) unveiled a robotic K-9 unit called “DigiDogs”, announced by Mayor Eric Adams last year. The robots, originally leased from Boston Dynamics, faced public criticism, with social media users drawing direct comparisons to the dystopian series Black Mirror.
Beyond law enforcement, these robots have been deployed for more critical, life-saving roles. After a parking garage collapsed in Lower Manhattan last year, one such robot dog was sent into the debris to search for survivors and assess the destruction.
The army has also got the use of these advanced machines. Earlier this year, Ukraine’s military deployed 30 robot dogs, each costing about $9,000, against Russian forces. “Metal Pooches” served as reconnaissance units that could deliver supplies rapidly, reducing risk to human soldiers on the front lines.
