No Cop Behind the Wheel: Miami Tests AI Patrol Car That Launches Drones

A project called PUG has become the first of its kind in the U.S., currently undergoing trials with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Department. More than just a car, it’s an autonomous platform equipped with advanced surveillance and analysis tools designed to assist police without human intervention.

Developed by Perrone Robotics in partnership with PolicingLab, PUG features 360-degree cameras, thermal imaging, license plate recognition, and the ability to deploy drones. Its AI processes data in real time, with developers claiming the technology will improve patrol efficiency without adding extra costs for taxpayers.

For now, the project remains in a pilot phase funded by PolicingLab. During the initial stage, the vehicle will be showcased at public events to gather feedback, after which authorities will decide whether to integrate the system into active policing.

Over a 12-month testing period, officials will evaluate response speed, safety levels, and public trust. If successful, the program could expand to other regions. Experts, however, caution that widespread deployment would require significant spending on maintenance and software, even if the vehicles do reduce reliance on human officers.