A Mexican federal senator has deployed “Waldog,” an AI-powered robot dog, to teach animal kindness and raise awareness about animal welfare on the streets of Monterrey. The beagle-sized robot engages children and adults in conversations about animal rights while also serving practical functions like identifying street hazards and documenting stray animals.
What you should know: Senator Waldo Fernandez purchased Waldog for $4,084 with his own money and named the robot after himself.
- The robot requires adult supervision and operates via remote control, making rounds through low-income neighborhoods like Santa Catarina.
- Waldog introduces itself by saying, “Hi, I’m Waldog, and I’m here to give a voice to those who don’t have one, the animals who live on the streets.”
- Beyond education, the robot will flag trash, potholes, and register fellow street dogs during its patrols.
The big picture: This deployment represents a creative application of robotics technology for social causes, demonstrating how AI can be used for community outreach and public service.
- Robot dogs have previously been utilized in search and rescue operations following natural disasters.
- U.S. authorities are developing similar robot dogs for border patrol along the U.S.-Mexico border, showing the technology’s versatility across different applications.
What’s next: Waldog has a packed schedule ahead, with plans to visit schools, plazas, and neighborhoods across Monterrey’s metropolitan area.
- The robot will continue its awareness campaign while posing for selfies with residents who encounter it during its community rounds.
- Fernandez, who describes himself as an animal activist, aims to encourage both kindness and responsibility toward animals and humans through this initiative.
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