As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, has beefed up security with the U.S. Secret Service’s latest tool: a Boston Dynamics robot dog. Marked “USSS TSD,” the robot dog is deployed under the supervision of the Secret Service’s Technical Security Division (TSD), a specialized unit responsible for advanced surveillance and counter-surveillance technology to protect high-level individuals .

The robot dog, known as “Spot,” was observed patrolling the grounds of Mar-a-Lago, its sleek, mechanical frame navigating between palm trees with the message “DO NOT PET” displayed on its side. “Protecting the president-elect is a top priority,” a Secret Service spokesperson told the New York Post. “While we cannot go into specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations.”

What is the Technical Security Division?

The Secret Service’s Technical Security Division (TSD) is dedicated to integrating advanced technologies into its protective operations, particularly for the security of key figures such as the President and President-elect. This unit uses sophisticated tools such as audio and video surveillance systems, counter-surveillance mechanisms and now robotic units like Spot, to improve situational awareness and threat detection. TSD work often involves deploying surveillance assets that can operate unobtrusively and respond to potential security risks in real time. The division also collaborates with technology leaders like Boston Dynamics to adapt equipment to the changing digital and physical threat landscape.

In this context, Spot provides TSD with mobile monitoring capabilities, allowing it to monitor hard-to-reach or exposed areas and provide real-time data to human operators without risking personnel. Equipped with high-definition cameras, night vision and a suite of sensors, Spot can detect and assess possible security risks, making it an invaluable addition to TSD’s toolbox.

The Boston Dynamics “Spot”: a guardian of high technology

Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics, has been making waves in the security and public safety industries with its versatile capabilities. It can operate in different terrains, overcome obstacles and even perform tasks autonomously in dangerous conditions. Deployed by law enforcement agencies like the NYPD, as well as in disaster areas by the FDNY, Spot’s agility and adaptability make it a top choice for enhancing security protocols. At Mar-a-Lago, Spot’s presence not only increases the physical security of the estate, but also serves as a technological deterrent to potential intruders.

The Secret Service has already integrated Spot with enhanced features that allow it to support perimeter control, identify potential threats, and respond to security risks in a way that traditional cameras and human patrols cannot not do. According to insiders, the robot dog can quickly deploy to any area of ​​the domain, providing live feeds and real-time data to Secret Service agents, who monitor domain security through a central command center .

Increased security for President-elect Trump

Spot’s introduction follows Trump’s recent election victory and coincides with his plans to return to the White House. Since his electoral success, security measures have been stepped up, with the Secret Service and TSD deploying resources including Coast Guard patrols, drone surveillance and now robotic assistance.

The adoption of robotic dogs is part of a broader trend in modern safety practices for leading figures, with organizations around the world recognizing the potential of robotic technology to improve safety while reducing human risks .