Robots and police officers will watch over the safety of the New York neighbors. Mayor Eric Adams and the city's Police Department (NYPD) unveiled three technologies Tuesday for that purpose: the K5 security robot, the StarChase GPS connection system, and Digidog, a police dog robot that was retired by the previous mayor. due to criticism.
The K5 robot is equipped with various cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence, which allows it to provide real-time information to agents. This technology has been used in various areas of the US, helping to more quickly detect shootings in shopping centers, for example.
After six months of testing, K5 has received the approval of specialists and security forces. From now on, his mission will be to patrol both Times Square and its subway stations, according to the NYPD.
Furthermore, K5 is capable of automatically recharging when it starts to run out of power. When that happens, it returns to its docking station for about 10 to 15 minutes, 20 at the most.
In the case of the StarChase system, it works by attaching a GPS suction cup to a fleeing vehicle and the tool allows the vehicle to be tracked in real time. This placement can be done manually or by launching it from a vehicle, as explained by the authorities during the presentation of these three technological advances in security.
This second technology will allow NYPD officers to track a vehicle remotely, thus avoiding a vehicle chase through the streets of the city.
Finally, the city has bought two Digidogs, a controversial police dog robot, which years ago received much criticism for its performance. As detailed during the presentation, this machine will incorporate various accessories such as a gas detector.
This four-legged yellow robot is made by Boston Dynamics, an American robotics and engineering company that pioneered robot construction. Some of them are in the experimental phase, as is the case of Atlas. Others, on the other hand, are already used for industrial use.
Digidog was heavily criticized in 2020 by various civil rights advocates. The previous administration, headed by Bill de Blasio, stopped using it and it was turned over to the fire department.
However, Adams defended the use of this technology: “Digidog is now part of the set of tools that we are using. If a person has a loved one who is in a hostage situation, they will want a Digidog, a real dog, and whatever else to be able to keep them safe. We will do everything we can to protect New Yorkers."
