{
  "id": 3974972,
  "title": "ICE Plans to Spends Millions on Boston Dynamics Dog Robots",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/ice-plans-to-spends-millions-on-boston-dynamics-dog-robots",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-28T14:04:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "404 Media",
    "slug": "404-media",
    "url": "https://www.404media.co/ice-plans-to-spends-millions-on-boston-dynamics-dog-robots/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is set to invest millions of dollars in robots from Boston Dynamics, a company renowned for its dog-like SPOT robots, to enhance \"officer safety,\" according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement. This move highlights ICE's continued dedication to incorporating advanced technology into its operations. On Thursday, the AP revealed that ICE had contracted to purchase 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves for $16.7 million.\n\nICE's new endeavor involves the acquisition of Boston Dynamics SPOT Robots and associated equipment to bolster public safety and law enforcement operations. The primary objective is to offer a remotely operated robotic capability for inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment in potentially risky environments that may compromise personnel. The announcement underscores how these robots can improve officer safety, facilitate informed operational decision-making, and bolster DHS's response capabilities in dangerous, confined, unstable, or hard-to-reach areas.\n\nBoston Dynamics' SPOT robots are equipped with cameras providing 360-degree views, an extendable arm capable of automatically opening doors, and object manipulation skills. Law enforcement agencies across the U.S., including the Los Angeles Police Department and the New York Police Department, have utilized these robots for various purposes, such as remotely picking up imitation firearms. However, the New York Police Department recently canceled its contract with Boston Dynamics due to public backlash.\n\nThe cost of the robots starts around $75,000, indicating that ICE plans to buy at least several units, potentially spending between one and two million dollars. Boston Dynamics has not commented on the matter, but the company is also developing humanoid robots. Meanwhile, another robotics firm, Foundation, reportedly submitted a proposal for its humanoid robot technology to the DHS.",
  "summary": "ICE wants the robot dogs to improve “officer safety.”",
  "key_points": [
    "ICE plans to spend millions on Boston Dynamics SPOT robots.",
    "Robots offer remote inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment.",
    "SPOT robots equipped with cameras and extendable arms for law enforcement."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}