Technology is advancing rapidly, bringing radical changes to the fields of security, rescue, and surveillance. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently had the opportunity to observe up close the Unitree Go2, a robotic dog that represents cutting-edge technology and can even take on the role of a bodyguard.
This specific robot has already proven to be a valuable tool for security and rescue missions, with the capability to integrate components such as thermal cameras, radars, and robotic arms. Weighing 15 kilograms, it can carry loads of up to 10 kilograms, run at speeds of 13 kilometers per hour, and operate autonomously for up to four hours. It is equipped with a camera and a 4D Lidar system, enabling it to avoid obstacles, climb stairs, and map areas with absolute precision. It also has remote management and self-charging capabilities, making it ideal for high-risk missions.
The Unitree Go2 is not limited to high-profile security missions. It is used in natural disasters, such as earthquakes, for rescue operations in rubble, in war zones for mapping hazardous areas, and by military and firefighting forces for surveillance in inaccessible regions.
The Case of Donald Trump
In the United States, the technology of robotic dogs has already been adopted by the Secret Service. Spot, a robot similar to the Unitree Go2, is used to protect Donald Trump, patrolling the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The robot operates either autonomously or via remote control, helping to prevent and deter attacks, especially after the two assassination attempts on Trump in 2023.
The presentation of the Unitree Go2 to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as protothema.gr’s introduction to the robot through a demonstration, highlight the importance of technology in addressing modern challenges. Robotic dogs are no longer just a technological achievement but tools with a substantial role in protection, rescue, and security across various missions. However, in California, the use of robotic dogs like the Unitree Go2 has raised concerns, particularly when they are equipped with flamethrowers. Adding a flamethrower to a robotic dog raises serious questions about the safety and ethical use of such practices. It is worth noting that a viral video circulating on social media shows the popular YouTuber IShowSpeed being attacked by a robotic dog with a flamethrower and jumping into a pool to escape.
