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Cops in Hawaii are using a robotic dog to check homeless peoples' temperatures in suspected Covid cases - despite criticism it dehumanizes them.
Spot, the four-legged machine made by Boston Dynamics, cost Honolulu Police $150,000 of their federal pandemic relief money, but the force believes the robot could help save money.
Officers are using the machine to scan homeless peoples' body temperatures between meal times to check if they need to quarantine and get tested for COVID-19.
The robot is also used to remotely interview individuals who have tested positive to protect officers, shelter staff and other residents from getting infected.
Spot, the four-legged machine made by Boston Dynamics, cost Honolulu Police $150,000 of their federal pandemic relief money, but the force believes the robot could help save money. Pictured: Acting Lt. Joseph O'Neal demonstrates the robotic dog
Deployment logs show Spot out at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park homeless encampment in the state's capital several times throughout one month.
The force's Acting Lt. Joseph O'Neal estimated the machine could provide a cost saving of between