The many ways robots keep people safe (2024)

Whether investigating suspicious packages, or searching structurally unstable infrastructure, robots can take on the risks once posed to humans

By Marco da Silva

Using robots for public safety is not a new concept. For decades, robots have been used to enter places that are unsafe for people and provide a way for public safety or government officials to observe or act on situations from a safe distance.

Whether it’s investigating a suspicious package, disposing of harmful devices, searching structurally unstable infrastructure, or entering unsafe areas, robots can take on the risk that was once posed to humans.

An evolution

Despite robots being used for decades, our world and technology are evolving.

When robots were first introduced to public safety, they used tracks and wheels to move around and enter specific areas. While these machines are still used today, there are limitations to the areas they can reach. Imagine needing to get a visual of the second floor or see around a corner of a building to investigate suspicious activity. Enter the quadruped robot.

In dangerous situations, quadruped robots can climb stairs, navigate rough, uneven, or slippery terrain, and move through tight, narrow spaces quickly, with little cognitive load on the operator. In the public safety industry specifically, these robots are most often sent into situations where it isn’t possible, desirable, or safe to send a person. Think of situations with weapons or explosive devices, areas that may have an unknown chemical, biological, or radiological threat, or even environments with low oxygen levels. Sending in a robot equipped with cameras or sensing capabilities gives public safety officials eyes on the ground for safer and more accurate incident response.

Robots in action

So what does this look like in action?

Unstable structures

One use case is sending robots into unstable structures to survey potential damage, complete search and rescue operations, and record video footage and imaging for operators to review in real-time. Take the New York City parking garage that collapsed in April 2023. Because the structure was unstable and entering the structure would have put first responders at significant risk, the New York City Fire Department opted to deploy its quadruped robot to walk the site and send live video footage back to the command center. The robot used both visual and thermal cameras to locate a victim, and it assisted the FDNY team in assessing the building’s structural integrity to help them determine whether it was safe for first responders to enter the collapsed structure.

Hostage and barricade situations

Responders can also use quadruped robots in potential hostage or barricade situations where it can be dangerous to send a person. If a person has isolated themselves and potentially others in a closed-off location and refuses to engage with responders, a robot can be deployed to help gain entry and provide situational awareness for the team to evaluate while limiting the risk of creating a life-threatening situation. Earlier this year, an armed suspect who had held someone at knifepoint was barricaded in a Barnstable, Massachusetts home. The Massachusetts State Police deployed its quadruped robot into the home, where the suspect opened fire, shooting the robot three times. Situations like these are stark reminders of how robots can keep people out of harm’s way and aid first responders in assessing dangerous situations.

Hazardous materials response

Quadruped robots are also frequently used in areas that may have been exposed to hazardous materials. In Europe, the Dutch Police are using robots to enter drug labs before humans. These spaces can be risky for humans because of unknown substances that may be present. In these situations, quadrupeds can be used to identify dangerous chemicals and work to move them into safer, more contained locations, preventing human exposure.

Investigating suspicious packages

Finally, public safety officials are often faced with investigating suspicious packages. Quadruped robots can assist the bomb squad in investigating items that might be dangerous or contain explosive materials. If the package needs to be disposed of, responders can use the robot to move it to a safer location before taking action. This protects not only themselves but also bystanders who may be in a heavily populated area.

Overall, robots are changing the way public safety responders operate by taking on high-risk tasks that would otherwise endanger human lives. Quadruped robots offer exceptional mobility and capabilities that allow them to navigate and operate in hazardous environments quickly with little burden on the operator, ensuring a safer response to emergencies. As technology continues to advance, the role of robots in safeguarding people will only become more integral, providing invaluable support to public safety professionals.

About the author

Marco da Silva is the vice president and general manager, Spot at Boston Dynamics.