The robots patrol alongside Singapore Police Force frontline officers and serve as additional eyes on the ground. (Ryan Quek/Singapore Police Force).Mon 19 June 2023:
After more than five years of testing, the Singapore Police at Changi Airport introduced Robocop, or Robot Police, to make any lawbreaker think twice.
Two nearly seven-foot-tall robots, each with fully expanded 360-degree vision, have been patrolling the airport since April of this year, adding to the country’s “police presence,” “extra eyes on the ground,” and technical armament.
Each robot has built-in speakers that broadcast live audio messages as well as a back LCD panel that shows visual messages. The robots stand about 5.5 feet tall and feature extensible masks that allow them to reach a height of 7.5 feet.
Experts say they are the first of their kind, and the force said on Friday that they plan to deploy them throughout the Southeast Asian city-state.
Lim Ke Wei, superintendent and operations head, said, “The integration of robotics enhances the operational efficiency and capabilities of our frontline officers, enabling them to be more effective in their duties.”
When asked how they work, the officials said that the robots are able to enforce cordons and warn bystanders using their blinkers, sirens, and speakers while waiting for a human officer to arrive at the place. However, if the public wishes to directly communicate with the force they can do it by just pushing a button on the robot’s front.
The force said that these Robocops are the latest robots to be employed in civic duties in the tech-savvy nation. Earlier versions of robots were deployed in 2018 and 2022 during public parades.
Similar to the robot dogs were used during the COVID-19 pandemic to establish a tight social distance strategy, cleaner robots are now more frequently seen in metro stations and airports across the country.
The authorities are now optimistic that flying taxis might become a reality in two years.
Despite the fact that these land robots are rather prevalent, recent recruits may take some getting used to.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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