The U.S. Secret Service has added an unexpected yet futuristic layer to its security operations at Mar-a-Lago, deploying robotic dogs to safeguard the Florida estate of President-elect Donald Trump.
Footage shared on Thursday by Reuters showed one of these high-tech security dogs patrolling the perimeter of the property, guided by a Secret Service agent as it scanned the area. Dubbed “high-tech hounds” by the agency, these robotic dogs are equipped with advanced surveillance tools and sensors designed to support the Secret Service’s stringent security objectives.
While details about the exact capabilities of these robotic dogs remain under wraps, Secret Service chief communications officer Anthony Guglielmi emphasized their role in the broader strategy to protect the president-elect. “Safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority,” Guglielmi stated in a press release to Nexstar, noting that these robotic units enhance their protective operations significantly.
These mechanical canines aren’t new to the Secret Service’s arsenal. They were introduced earlier this year as part of the agency’s ASTRO program, short for “Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation.” The program, highlighted during July’s NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., focuses on integrating robotics into high-stakes security settings.
These robotic dogs are no ordinary machines; they’re equipped with customizable technology to address various security threats, such as bomb detection, chemical threat monitoring, and thermal imaging. They also boast high-resolution cameras with powerful zoom capabilities, helping agents monitor larger areas with precision.
Beyond software updates, the ASTRO program envisions continuous enhancements in the robots’ performance, expanding their potential through regular upgrades. According to one Secret Service official, the ability to improve with each update means these robotic security units are poised to become an increasingly integral part of high-level security operations.
The use of robotic dogs is just one of the heightened security measures observed at Mar-a-Lago since Election Day, which has included increased waterway patrols by the Coast Guard. Coast Guard vessels, armed and monitoring nearby waters, have been stationed outside the estate, reinforcing security in the wake of Trump’s re-election.
Trump’s security risks have been particularly pronounced in recent months. According to the FBI, Trump was the target of a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Iranian operatives, with three individuals charged in connection to the scheme. Additionally, two other assassination attempts were thwarted over the course of the election period, heightening the Secret Service’s vigilance.
NEW: Donald Trump has reportedly beefed up his security detail at Mar-a-Lago and now has a robotic dog patrolling the property.
A large warning sign on the side of the robotic dog reads: ” Do Not Pet”
The robot dog was made by Boston Dynamics and is equipped with… pic.twitter.com/qLktzbf3m3
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
With these recent incidents underscoring the ongoing threats, the deployment of robotic dogs at Mar-a-Lago signals a new era in presidential security. The Secret Service’s embrace of robotic advancements through the ASTRO program reflects a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding the highest office, combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology in the mission to protect the nation’s leadership.
