Ghost Robotics, a Philadelphia-based company, is making headlines by creating a new breed of dogs that they claim will save even more lives than traditional dogs. These are not the cuddling kind of dogs, but instead, they are designed to be fierce and hardworking, with a mission to assist first responders, military personnel, and other professionals in dangerous and challenging situations.
According to Karen Mallett, “These robotic dogs can go over hills, gravel, sand, stairs, and even underwater. They can go anywhere that’s too dangerous for humans.” These robots are equipped with sensors that allow them to operate remotely and independently, allowing them to access hazardous situations without putting human lives at risk.
Military dogs have been valuable service members for most of the army’s history, but the fact is that many dogs lose their lives working to save others. With the introduction of advanced robotic technologies, there is a potential to reduce the threat to dogs and humans in dangerous situations. The robotic dogs created by Ghost Robotics are currently being used at eight military bases in the United States, with one specific model being used to patrol the flight line and the base perimeter 24/7.
Despite their potential benefits, there are still concerns about the use of these robotic dogs. For example, even as technology continues to improve, these dogs still lack certain traits that would allow them to bond with humans like real dogs. Some experts believe that certain situations are still better suited to live animals that can pick up on small changes in human behavior, such as therapy dogs.
However, for rescue situations and military operations, these robotic dogs could be a game-changer and save countless dogs’ lives. As writer 69 WFMZ notes, “Even as technology continues improving, robotic dogs still lack certain traits that would allow them to bond with humans like real dogs. For rescue situations and military operations, however, these dogs could be a boon for professionals.”
The use of robotic dogs raises important questions about the future of artificial intelligence and the role it will play in our lives. The potential for self-aware AI to be introduced to these robots is a cause for concern, and it is important to consider the potential consequences of such a scenario. As author and AI researcher Kate Darling warns, “We need to be careful about the types of personalities we build into these machines and how we ensure that they align with human values.”
