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Nottinghamshire Police Trials Futuristic Robot Dog to Apprehend Criminals
22 Aug
Summary
- Nottinghamshire Police is the first UK force to trial a robot dog for law enforcement
- The remote-controlled bot can climb stairs, see in the dark, and detect weapons
- Police say the technology can enhance officer and public safety in certain situations

In a groundbreaking move, the Nottinghamshire Police force has become the first in the UK to trial a futuristic robot dog for law enforcement purposes. The remote-controlled bot, which is Terminator-style in appearance, is capable of a range of advanced capabilities that could aid police operations.
According to the force, the robot dog can climb stairs, see in the dark, and operate in silence. Crucially, it also has the ability to recognize weapons, including handguns, knives, and baseball bats, and can scan its surroundings. The device, funded by the office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, is currently undergoing evaluation, and if the trial proves successful, other police forces may acquire the technology from next year.
Superintendent Louise Clarke of Nottinghamshire Police believes the robot dog could be a valuable asset, stating, "It's not hard to see how this technology can and will be used in the future to protect and serve the public. In the right circumstances, this equipment can enhance officer and public safety." The force has emphasized that there are no plans to equip the robot with weapons or to replace police dogs.