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Rialto approves purchase of police 'Spot' robot for roughly $380,256
Summary
The City Council approved the Rialto Police Department’s purchase of a quadruped robot (Spot) and related equipment, training and warranty from FlyMotion LLC for an amount not to exceed $380,255.82, describing it as a nonlethal tool for tactical and community uses.
The Rialto City Council approved the police department’s request to purchase a quadruped robotic platform (Spot) including hardware, on-site training, software and warranty for an amount not to exceed $380,255.82.
Police presenters said the device is intended for tactical deployments, public-safety demonstrations and community outreach. The chief and other officers emphasized that the current intent is nonlethal deployment; Council member Edward Montoya clarified on the record that the robot will not be weaponized in the current configuration and called it a ‘‘nonlethal piece of equipment.’’
Police said the department plans community demonstrations, school outreach to help name the robot and to model its nonlethal uses. Chief presenters described potential operational uses such as entering hazardous or barricaded locations to reduce risk to officers.
Next steps: city manager and designated staff to execute procurement and schedule community outreach and training.
