Guide dogs lead disabled people right by their sides, but new technology may allow people to lead dogs from a distance. A harness containing GPS sensors and a wireless modem is being tested to remotely guide service dogs from many feet, or even miles away.

With this technology, a lone police dog could discreetly sniff out a neighborhood drug house. A single controller could direct multiple bomb-sniffing dogs around the airport. Or a military dog could deliver medical supplies without risk to a human handler.

The possibilities are limited only by human imagination and canine creativity and courage. Although no one likes the idea of putting our dedicated friends in harm’s way, dogs can better detect and avoid danger when they are not encumbered by people. Their innate skills make them faster, stealthier and more accurate than robots.