Miami is testing self-driving robot police car that can launch drones for surveillance
Published on Oct 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Oct 17, 2025 at 4:22 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Department has just unveiled something that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie – a self-driving robot police car that can launch drones for surveillance.
This isn’t your average cruiser because the project, called PUG (PolicingLab Unmanned Ground unit), is a partnership between the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Department and PolicingLab.
It’s part of a year-long pilot program launched by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with PolicingLab and Perrone Robotics.
It looks like something out of Robocop, but it’s real, and it’s already rolling on the streets of Miami.
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Miami is testing a self-driving robot police car
Meet PUG. No, it’s not a cute, short-snouted dog, it’s actually short for ‘PolicingLab Unmanned Ground unit’, a new police car hitting the streets of Miami.
It’s part of a year-long pilot program launched by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with PolicingLab and Perrone Robotics.
PUG is the first self-driving robot police car in the fleet, and it’s already out rolling about on the streets in Florida.
Here’s what makes PUG different from your average cruiser.
It has self-driving technology powered by Perrone’s TONY autonomous platform, as well as 360° cameras and thermal imaging sensors to see in all directions, day or night.
PUG also comes with handy automated license plate readers to instantly scan and flag vehicles, which is perfect for the police force.
It can launch drones for surveillance
The self-driving robot police car comes with a built-in drone launch system that can send surveillance drones buzzing overhead on command.
It’s crazy to think an automated vehicle, can call for more automated airborne backup.
Miami officials say the idea is to create a ‘force multiplier’, which in plain English means: the robot car gives officers more reach without needing more staff.
The force is hoping the 12-month trial will cut down response times, improve officer safety, deter crime and build public trust.
If the Miami trial goes well, it could be the start of automated police fleets across the US
Imagine robot cruisers handling routine patrols, scanning crowds, and launching drones at public events – while human officers focus on emergencies.
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Daisy Edwards is a Content Writer at supercarblondie.com. Daisy has more than five years’ experience as a qualified journalist, having graduated with a History and Journalism degree from Goldsmiths, University of London and a dissertation in vintage electric vehicles. Daisy specializes in writing about cars, EVs, tech and luxury lifestyle. When she's not writing, she's at a country music concert or working on one of her many unfinished craft projects.
