LA City Council Approves ‘Robot Dog’ Donation for LAPD Despite Concerns Over Surveillance

A Spotbot 3.0.0, a four-legged mechanical canine, is seen during a demonstration at Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 13, 2022. Jon Cherry/Getty Images

The Los Angeles City Council on May 23 voted to accept a donation of a dog-like “robot” for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), despite growing concerns among residents that they could be used for surveillance.

The council voted 8–4 to approve the Los Angeles Police Foundation’s donation of the robot, valued at $277,917.80, according to the office of the city clerk.