Roaming ‘robodog’ politely tells Singapore park goers to keep apart

A four-legged robot dog called SPOT patrols a park as it undergoes testing to be deployed as a safe distancing ambassador, following the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, in Singapore. — Reuters

SINGAPORE: Far from barking its orders, a robot dog enlisted by Singapore authorities to help curb coronavirus infections in the city-state politely asks joggers and cyclists to stay apart.

The remote-controlled, four-legged machine built by Boston Dynamics was first deployed in a central park on May 8 as part of a two-week trial that could see it join other robots policing Singapore's green spaces during a nationwide lockdown.