Singapore have enlisted a roaming robotic dog, built by robotics company Boston Dynamics, in a two week trial to wander around a central park, which speaks to people in the park to encourage them to socially distance.

In a female voice, it says: "Let's keep Sinagpore healthy. For your own safety and for those around you, please stand at least one metre apart. Thank you".

Another robot has been deployed at a nearby reservoir to warn visitors "not to loiter" and that "gatherings are not allowed".

The dog, named Spot, can apparently better cross rough terrain in parks and gardens.

It is important to keep people socially distanced, especially in parks and other places of assembly. These robots will allow authorities to remind people to socially distance, without having to put valuable police or law enforcement workers in these potentially risky situations.

NParks,  Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG), Boston Dynamics