Days after his victory in the US presidential election, the security of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate has been enhanced with a robot dog. The mechanical canine was spotted patrolling the property in Palm Beach, Florida earlier on November 8, adding a futuristic layer to the property’s security measures.

Conformable The New York Post, in the videos, the robot dog, made by Boston Dynamics, is seen moving along the grassy lot, walking through the palm trees surrounding the property. A warning label on her side reads: “DO NOT ANIMATE.”

The United States Secret Service has confirmed the deployment of the robot dog as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the president-elect. An agency spokesman told the New York Post: “Safeguarding the president-elect is a top priority. While we can’t go into specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology and an array of advanced sensors that support our protection operations.”

Trump, who survived two assassination attempts during his campaign, worked on gathering his incoming administration at Mar-a-Lago after his victory over Kamala Harris.

Robotic dogs have become increasingly popular with public safety agencies in the US. They provide a way to keep law enforcement officers and first responders in dangerous situations. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has unveiled a robotic K-9 unit called “Digidogs,” announced by Mayor Eric Adams last year. Originally leased from Boston Dynamics, the robots have been met with public criticism, with social media users drawing comparisons to something straight out of the dystopian series Black Mirror.

Beyond law enforcement, these robots have been deployed for more critical, lifesaving roles. Following the collapse of a Lower Manhattan parking lot last year, one such robot dog was sent into the wreckage to search for survivors and assess the destruction.

The military has also found use for these advanced machines. Earlier this year, the Ukrainian military deployed 30 robot dogs, each costing about $9,000, against Russian forces. “Metal Dogs” served as reconnaissance units that could quickly deliver supplies, reducing the risk to human soldiers on the front lines.