The New York City Police Department has let go of Spot, a canine-like robot built by Boston Dynamics and tested as part of a high-tech pilot program.
The NYPD had acquired around 500 units of the four-legged robot, which the department nicknamed Digidog, back in August last year, Complex reported Saturday.
While some were impressed about the robot for its ability to inspect high-risk and hard to reach areas, others claimed it sent the wrong message to New York locals at precisely the wrong time.
Critics said the robotic police canines were not only "creepy" and "unnecessary", they also displayed the growing militarization of U.S. policing.
The program, according to Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, was a waste of the city's tax money and suggested the robots were being used to specifically target underserved communities.
John Miller, NYPD deputy commissioner for intelligence and counterterrorism, said the department prematurely scrapped the robotic test run because it was stoking arguments about race and surveillance.
A $94,000 lease for the machines has been terminated effective April 22 and they will be returned to Boston Dynamics, the NYPD told the Times.
City officials had high hopes for Digidog. It was used in riots and hostage situations and it once delivered food to hostages during a home invasion in Queens, the Times said. Sending police personnel instead of the robot canine could have endangered lives.
"People had figured out the catchphrases and the language to somehow make this evil," The Independent, citing the NYT, quoted Miller as saying.
Bill Neidhardt, a representative for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, told the Times he was "glad the Digidog was put down."
