A man jogs past a four-legged robot called Spot, which broadcasts a recorded message reminding people to observe safe distancing as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, during its two-week trial at the Bishan-Ang Moh Kio Park in Singapore on May 8, 2020. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) (Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

As lockdown restrictions across the globe are relaxed, the biggest threat of the current health crisis is complacency and in turn a second wave of infectioin. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Singapore has been a world leader in installing new technology to assist in the invisible battle. It’s tracing app was controversial yet, this newest invention is just plain bizarre. But does it work?

To enforce social distancing outdoors and in parks, Singapore has tapped Boston Dynamics and its robot dog Spot. According to Reuters, the city-state deployed Spot in a centralised park on Friday, as part of a two-week trial period. The way it works is if any park-goers are found to be not adhering to the rules, it’ll softly and politely says in a woman’s voice, “Let’s keep Singapore healthy. For your own safety and for those around you, please stand at least one meter apart. Thank you.” In addition, the remote-controlled technology has the ability to estimate the number of people in the park. To ease apprehension from the public, park officials have assured people that cameras will not be able to track individuals or record personal data.

After a sharp rise in cases in recent weeks, Singapore has issued a stay-at-home order where by people may only leave the home for essential trips such as grocery shopping and outdoor exercise (alone) and masks must be worn at all times whilst out.

Tile Image: Suhaimi Abdullah / Getty Images