AT&T FirstNet unleashes robotic dogs for emergency services

AT&T is releasing robotic hounds from Ghost Robotics as part of the service provider’s FirstNet emergency responder service.

In a blog, AT&T VP Lance Spencer explained that the robotic dogs will be connected to AT&T’s network and deployed for public safety, defense, federal and state agencies, local police and fire departments, and commercial customers.

“Network-connected robotic dogs can deliver a broad range of IoT use cases, including many that have previously required putting personnel in dangerous situations,” explained Spencer. AT&T is also utilizing its patented Geocast service for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operational command and control, so robotic dog operators can deploy the dogs remotely.

Allen Beadel, Sr., drone pilot for AT&T, said in a video that AT&T has been using robotic dogs for over a year and is now launching the service for government, military, law enforcement agencies and more.

“The key to any successful remotely controlled device is secure, reliable communications,” said Beadel.

The IoT use cases where the robotic dogs will be deployed include “disaster response and recovery, facilities surveillance and security operations,” said Spencer. The dogs can also perform search and rescue missions in areas that could be dangerous to humans; detect explosives, chemical leaks and radiation; and investigate mines and high-voltage equipment.

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