Explore Waldog, the robotic dog patrolling Monterrey's streets, delivering a distinct message
Meet Waldog, the AI-Powered Robot Dog Promoting Animal Welfare in Monterrey
Waldog, an AI-powered robot dog, has made its official debut in the Santa Catarina neighborhood of Monterrey, Mexico. This beagle-like robot, created by Federal Senator Waldo Fernández González, is on a mission to inspire empathy, responsible pet ownership, and community care for animals.
Fernández, an animal rights advocate, purchased the robot for approximately US $4,000 and named it as a playful nod to his own name. The Unitree Go2 PRO, a model from Chinese robotics firm Unitree, gives Waldog cutting-edge autonomy, enabling 360-degree navigation and remote operation from up to 100 meters away, thanks to its 4D L1 LIDAR technology.
Waldog's primary role is to raise awareness about animal rights by engaging neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces in conversations about kindness, responsible pet ownership, and respect for animals, particularly stray street dogs. It speaks on behalf of these voiceless animals, communicating messages of empathy and compassion to both children and adults in various communities.
During its patrols, Waldog checks on stray dogs, helping to register them, which aids in managing and improving the welfare of street animals. It also identifies urban issues such as litter and potholes, encouraging community members to maintain cleaner and safer neighborhoods for both people and animals.
In addition to its role as a technological ambassador linking animal activism with innovation, Waldog acts as a symbol of collective care for vulnerable street animals and the urban environment. Its schedule includes dozens of planned neighborhood visits and ample time for taking selfies with new friends.
Since early July, Waldog has made short appearances in various locations, including the Senate of the Republic. Its first Instagram post was on July 29, documenting its "first visit to the Senate of the Republic." The robot dog even has its own Instagram account and Facebook page, where it shares updates about its activities and interactions with the community.
Fernández aims to deploy Waldog at schools, plazas, and working-class neighborhoods across the Monterrey metro area. He sees the robot as a tool to inspire empathy, responsible pet ownership, and general community care beyond just animals, aiming to strengthen social responsibility throughout the metropolitan area.
Waldog's mission extends beyond Monterrey, as similar robots are used in search and rescue operations and are being developed by U.S. authorities for border patrol between the United States and Mexico. Fernández, who was elected to a six-year term in the Mexican Senate last year, has political ambitions for Nuevo León in the 2027 elections, or the mayorship of Monterrey.
In conclusion, Waldog serves as a unique blend of technological innovation and social activism, raising public consciousness about animal rights, encouraging community monitoring of public spaces, and symbolizing collective care for vulnerable street animals and the urban environment alike.
- The AI-powered robot dog Waldog, set apart by its cutting-edge technology and created by animal rights advocate Waldo Fernández González, is promoting a culture of empathy, responsible pet ownership, and community care for animals.
- By engaging neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces in conversations about kindness, Waldog uses artificial intelligence to act as a representative for voiceless animals, spreading messages of compassion and awareness.
- In addition to its role as an ambassador for animal welfare, Waldog also serves as a symbol of cleaner and safer city life, identifying urban issues such as litter and potholes to encourage community members to maintain their surroundings.
- Besides its work in Monterrey, the technological prowess of robots like Waldog is being adapted for various purposes, including search and rescue operations and border patrol, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of technology on societal issues and lifestyles.
