The deployment of autonomous police robots is gaining momentum, with both the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Singapore embracing this technology. The Singapore authorities recently announced the use of autonomous robots to patrol Changi airport, equipped with cameras, sensors, and sirens. These robots have undergone trial runs for the past five years.
The robots feature an extendable mast that reaches a height of 2.3 meters, with a standard height of about five feet and seven inches. Multiple cameras provide a 360-degree field of vision, enabling clear visibility of ground activities during police operations. The robots are also equipped with speakers for officers to communicate with passengers, and microphones to facilitate passenger communication with human police officers if needed.
Superintendent Lim Ke Wei of the Airport Police Division stated that the patrol robots work autonomously alongside human officers, acting as additional support and providing enhanced operational efficiency. Their integration strengthens the capabilities of frontline officers, improving their effectiveness in carrying out their duties.
Singapore has been actively testing patrol robots since 2018, initially in the Marina Bay Sands area and now at Changi airport. The airport has also employed robotic technology for other purposes, such as using robotic grass cutters for landscaping in 2021 and trialing a robotic traffic cop in the parking area.
The introduction of autonomous police robots represents an innovative approach to bolstering security and operational efficiency in law enforcement at airports and other public spaces.
