US tests of robotic dogs on the Mexican border, domestic rights groups call it a “civil liberties disaster”

The US is currently testing robotic sentry dogs on the US-Mexico border, much to the outcry of activists.

The robotic “dog” have been lent out to the Department of Homeland Security research and development division as a “force multiplier” for beleaguered and endangered Border Patrol agents.

“Due to the demands of the region, adding quadruped mechanical reinforcements is a smart use of resources,” the DHS said in a statement.

According to The Guardian, the nearly 100 lb robots are made by Ghost Robotics and are designed to operate in rough country.

“Just like anywhere else, you have your standard criminal behavior, but along the border you can also have human smuggling, drug smuggling, as well as smuggling of other contraband – including firearms or even potentially, [weapons of mass destruction],” said Agent Brett Becker, of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) innovation team.

Several advocates, including the ACLU, are not happy about the robots, claiming it is a sign of “an anti-immigrant dystopia” where it would be harder for people to sneak across the border.

The DHS stated in a social media post that people should not be “surprised if in the future we see robot ‘Fido’ out in the field, walking side-by-side with [CBP] personnel”.

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