See SPOT Run And Save Lives; Robotic Dog Joins Hillsborough Sheriff

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — He may resemble a four-legged friend, but this is no lap dog. SPOT is the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's newest crime-fighter.

The bomb squad's canine-like robot inspects suspicious devices for explosives with the help of his human technicians who navigate SPOT remotely while remaining a safe distance from the potential blast site.

The $284,000 Robo Dog paid for with sheriff's funds joined the sheriff's office in November after the bomb squad completed training on how to use SPOT.

The sheriff's SWAT team will also use the unconventional law enforcement K-9. The robotic dog is equipped with an advanced 360-degree camera capable of both thermal and infrared detection, allowing SWAT to search buildings for people and provide crucial information before the team enters.

"SPOT becomes the newest addition of six robots Team HCSO owns to use between our bomb disposal team and our SWAT team," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This high-tech tool will allow us to continue to serve the residents of Hillsborough County more securely and safely when dealing with threats in the community."

SPOT is also equipped with several cameras, lights and two-way communication that will assist the SWAT team. The agile robot can navigate a variety of terrain with ease and enter buildings no matter the type of door.

"SPOT will be able to get into almost any location, give us eyes inside dangerous situations and allow us to communicate with suspects or people in danger," said Chronister. "The goal is always de-escalation, and SPOT will help us save lives."

The sheriff's office is using its new explosive ordinance disposal response vehicle to transport SPOT. The 2022 Freightliner truck comes with a custom-built commander area, engineered and assembled by MBF Industries in Sanford. The truck is 43 feet long and features two slide-outs, two bomb technician workstations, a separate robot operator's room with two driving stations, and a custom lift capable of deploying 1,800 pounds of gear.

The truck cost $593,140 and was primarily paid for by a Port Security Grant.

The new EOD Response Vehicle will serve not only Hillsborough County, but any of the seven surrounding counties in which the sheriff's office provides assistance.

Now, all the gear and personnel needed for most callouts can be transported in one vehicle vs. several smaller ones, Chronister said. In addition, it will provide ample work areas within the truck, allowing technicians to work in a controlled area instead of outside on folding tables and in the elements. He said the vehicle can remain on the scene and be self-sufficient for extended operations.

"This is another technological advancement that's going to help us better serve the community, but it's also going to help us keep our deputies safer," said Chronister. "Whenever you can keep a deputy out of danger, that's a great thing."

The new truck, which the sheriff's office put into operation in August, can also serve as an EOD command post during special events like championship games, parades, times of crisis or severe weather.