While supporters argue that such technology, namely robots, saves lives, critics contend its conflicts with the Fourth Amendment, which protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures.

A new robot

The Boulder County Hazardous Device Response Team, also known as the bomb squad, has been using military-grade robots since the mid-2000s. As its models age, in 2020 it plans to ask for funding to buy a new one, according to Longmont Master Police Officer Scott Pierce.

The bomb squad received its main robot, a Remotetech model, in 2005 with a grant from the Urban Areas Security Initiative Program, Pierce said.

The 500-pound robot was originally used in military operations. It has one “arm,” infrared, zoom and night vision cameras, and a speaker system. The squad’s second robot, made by Endeavor Robotics, weighs 60 pounds and is much more portable.

Typically they are used together, according to Pierce. The larger robot will hold a house door open and let the smaller one inside, and vice versa. The larger robot can get stuck in the snow or while going over clothing. Together, they have two “hands” and provide police with two viewpoints.

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