Robotic police dogs: Useful hounds or dehumanizing machines?

Honolulu Police Acting Lt. Joseph O’Neal demonstrates a robotic dog on May 14 in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher)

A robotic dog called Spot trots during a Honolulu Police Department demonstration to reporters on May 14. (AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher)

HONOLULU — If you’re homeless and looking for temporary shelter in Hawaii’s capital, expect a visit from a robotic police dog that will scan your eye to make sure you don’t have a fever.