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Robotic dogs, drones put into action in Lower Manhattan parking garage collapse

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Published  April 25, 2023 5:58pm EDT
FDNY
FOX 5 NY

Robotic dogs, drones save lives in Lower Manhattan garage collapse

One week after the deadly garage collapse in Lower Manhattan that left one dead and several others injured, we are learning more about the technology used by first responders to help save lives when time was of the essence.

NEW YORK - New York City recently showcased its latest technological upgrades, including a robotic dog and drones, which were put into action during a parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan last week that killed one person and injured several others.

Mayor Eric Adams praised the technology, stating that, "We had to find out if there were more innocent people inside the location and do as much as possible. And we needed to accomplish that task without putting other first responders in danger."

With the parking garage and street threatening to collapse even further, the city sent in its new robotic team. The robotic dog, which cost the city about $750,000, went in on the ground level to search for survivors. Three drones were launched overhead, including one that was smaller and maneuvered inside the building. 

All the information and video that was collected was relayed in real-time, allowing first responders to assess the situation without putting themselves in danger.

The introduction of the robotic dog has been met with criticism, with some questioning the potential for abuse of the technology. However, the city has vowed to only use it to keep people safe.