The NYPD has announced this week which will use three new technologies to improve safety in the city: the K5 autonomous safety robot, the Digidog robot and the StarChase GPS system. Of the three, the return of the robotic police dog Digidog, which was withdrawn by the previous mayor of the city due to criticism from citizens, stands out. Now, the police have decided to re-deploy two of these robots, equipped with various tools such as gas detectors, and that have cost $750,000.
K5 Robot
In addition, the police have also acquired the K5 robot, which is equipped with several cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence technology, which allows it to detect and report any suspicious activity in real time. The robot has been used in other parts of the U.S., including the surveillance of shootings in shopping malls. In New York, the robot will patrol Times Square and its subway stations during the six-month trial.
StarChase GPS
The third technology, StarChase GPS, will be placed in the vehicles and will enable track the location of offenders as they flee. This prevent police officers from having to chase criminals dangerously through the city streets. It is hoped that these three tools are just the beginning, and that the NYPD will continue to use technology to improve security in the city.
Digidog
The decision to re-implement Digidog has not been well received by all citizens, especially civil rights advocates who criticized its use previously. However, the police have assured that these robots are a valuable tool to assist in policing and improving city security.
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