Information provided by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) unveiled on Wednesday afternoon the acquisition of Spot, an agile inspection robot developed by Boston Dynamics and upfitted by RADeCO Inc., for use in the Bomb and Hazardous Device Disposal Unit.
Spot boasts remarkable maneuverability, enabling it to navigate various terrains, including climbing stairs, opening doors, and manipulating objects. Equipped with a state-of-the-art 360° camera system, the “robot dog” can swiftly clear enclosed spaces, significantly enhancing the MCSO’s bomb detection and disposal capabilities. Spot’s versatility also makes it an ideal multi-disciplinary tool, which can be utilized in urban search and rescue (USAR), and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) situations.
The decision to incorporate Spot into the MCSO’s operations came after a successful demonstration last spring, where a team from Boston Dynamics trained deputies under the guidance of Lt. Al Stewart, head of the bomb squad. The superior performance demonstrated by Spot far surpasses that of conventional bomb robots, making it an invaluable asset during high-risk operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Spot to our team,” said Sheriff Sean Kilkenny. “Its advanced capabilities will greatly enhance our ability to respond to and mitigate potential threats, ultimately ensuring the safety of our community.”
The MCSO extends its gratitude to Montgomery County Commissioners Jamila Winder, Neil Makhija, and Tom DiBello for their unwavering support and commitment to public safety. Their approval of this cutting-edge technology underscores their dedication to safeguarding the citizens of Montgomery County and the deputies who serve them.
Per MCSO policy 2.17.2, Spot will not be equipped with any fixed lethal weapon system or equipped with facial recognition software or analysis capabilities.
This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an endorsement of any products or companies mentioned.
