City seeks $650,000 for advanced robotic dogs capable of door‑opening and stair navigation

The Wichita Police Department is understood to be requesting funds totalling $650,000 to procure two robotic dogs. The city will deploy the quadrupeds to combat crime and join the department’s existing fleet of robots.

According to information provided by Police Captain Aaron Moses, the law enforcement body wants robots that can autonomously navigate doors, stairs, rough terrains, and other obstacles. He said, “These robotic systems provide capabilities that address current operational gaps, including the ability to open and close doors, navigate stairs, and move over uneven terrain and obstacles commonly encountered in real-world environments.”

Captain Moses added that the robots will help to reduce the risks his officers are exposed to in the line of duty. “These capabilities allow officers to manage high-risk incidents more safely and reduce risk to both the public and responding personnel.”

The police department has not mentioned any supplier names. However, one of the most prominent robot dogs offering the required capabilities is Boston Dynamics’ Spot. The quadruped can be outfitted with a Spot Arm and other law-enforcement accessories. The 75-pound four-legged robot has also been used to handle armed standoffs and assisted more than 60 bomb squads and SWAT teams in the US and Canada.