Robo dog reminds park visitors to keep distance in Singapore

The dog-like robot is getting a trial run as a social-distancing reminder machine in Singapore.

Singapore residents are able to go outside and exercise in their neighborhood parks as a break from the government’s stay-at-home recommendations during the coronavirus pandemic. Visitors to the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park may encounter the unusual sight of a bright-yellow Boston Dynamics Spot robot dog with an important message.

Spot will be strolling the scenic river park during off-peak hours to broadcast a message reminding park-goers to observe proper social distancing. Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group are partnering on the trial, which is scheduled to run for two weeks. 

A remote operator will manage Spot, and the robot sensors will help it avoid people and obstacles in its path as it patrols. It will have an NParks human minder for company during the test period.