Robot dogs called to help after building collapse prompt surveillance fears

Robots praised by New York mayor for searching ruins of a parking garage collapse, but critics fear robots will collect private data

“Digidog is out of the pound,” Eric Adams declared in April. The New York City mayor also insisted the successful use of the controversial robot in response to a recent building collapse should convince critics such devices can improve safety in the city.

Adams commended first responders’ use of the four-legged robot in the ruins of a parking garage collapse last week in Manhattan, in which one person was killed and five injured.