Robotics law and policy Professor Kristen Thomasen was quoted in a Los Angeles Times article about Singapore's use of a robot dog in response to COVID-19. The country is testing Spot, a four-legged robot, in a public park to assist with social distancing efforts.
“I do think the balancing of social interests and civil rights is shifted in an emergency toward favouring technologies that can help address the emergency,” said Professor Thomasen. “When this happens, though, one of the most crucial things to look for is clear government indication and imposition of limits on the use of the technology.”