AT&T will employ robotic dogs for various purposes that will enhance “public safety and national defense.”
The US telecom company and Ghost Robotics are collaborating on a project to improve the FirstNet emergency responder service.
According to Lance Spencer, Client Executive VP – Defense at AT&T, “Robotic dogs are just one way we are showcasing the creativity and revolutionary capabilities of 5G and IoT.”
“A wide range of Internet of Things use cases, including many that traditionally required placing personnel in risky situations, can be delivered by network-connected robotic dogs.”
Robotic dogs may be employed in any climate and on any surface. They can swim and move over rocks and other detritus and upstairs.
The robotic hounds are expected to support hazmat efforts, investigate hazardous devices, and more, according to AT&T.
In Florida’s Tyndall Air Force Base, one early deployment takes place. Robotic canines from AT&T are used at the base to patrol the perimeter and provide staff with real-time video feeds.
The canine from Ghost Robotics was put to the test by the British Army last year.
The dogs can have extra upgrades to help with their operations. Each dog can have a drone connected to its back that can provide an aerial picture of the environment and return to the dog when it needs to be charged.
Another intriguing use is robotic dogs outfitted with LRADs (LRADs). LRADs are sound cannons that emit noise at loud volumes and a range of frequencies, Spencer continues.
After articulated with the Navy about equipping our robotic dogs with sound cannons to scare off saber-toothed tigers and bands of feral dogs that have obstructed crews from working on telecommunications equipment in outlying parts of one of its sites,”
Geocast can implement operational command beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). People can control dogs almost anywhere in the world via Geocast.
