Today’s age of technological innovations has provided us with many up gradations and new facilities. Almost every sector has been greatly affected by cutting-edge technologies. Law enforcement is no such exception. We may have watched films where Robocop single-handedly takes care of violent criminals of Detroit. This fantasy is gradually turning into a reality as today’s police robots are designed to deal with those situations which are difficult to handle or dangerous for ordinary cops. They can manipulate objects and utilize latest technology to gather real-time data and provide useful results.
Robots in Bomb Diffusion
Bomb threats are a major danger for police officers. A wrong move can be lethal for the officer and anyone close by. Robots can prevent this from happening by replacing an officer and diffusing a bomb, using cameras, sensors, and microphones. Professional bomb disposers from a safe distance can control them. As a result, even if a mistake is made, no one would be injured. Using this technology, errors can be reduced and several bomb experts can be employed for the job.
These robots can be controlled by joy sticks, as they are designed after video games. This makes their operation easier and reduces the amount of training needed to handle them properly. Additionally, they are equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors for chemicals, biological, or nuclear agents, which gives the bomb disposer an idea of the type of bomb they are dealing with. Also, many of these robots have hand-like manipulators which come in handy whenever a door needs to be opened, or a bomb has to handled or moved.
Emergence of Search and Rescue Bots
The police are nowadays using search and extraction robots in rescue operations. These bots can assist in searching for victims through damaged buildings after disasters, which are unsafe for cops to enter. Recently, GPS and thermal imaging have also been added to the arsenal of these robots which gives them and the police an extra advantage. These bots can locate survivors of any disaster and can relay back information to the rescuers. They are also capable of reaching the survivors by digging through the rubble. Some rescue robots can also provide aid and remove obstacles to reach safely to the survivors.
On many occasions, a police officer or civilian is injured and can’t be rescued from the scene because of an ongoing fire fight. At such times, search and rescue bots can come to their aid, using their bulk to protect the person being rescued.
Surveillance Robots easing Law and Order
Robots have also made their mark in surveillance and safety. They are ruling the skies with air police drones surveying an area to make sure it is safe and free from any sort of disturbance or threat. These drones are as agile as small insects and can be controlled remotely. They have attached video camera, which sends images back to a computer. Additionally, they have the provision of wireless charging along with an attached LED lamp which acts as a searchlight. They have a short flying time of seven minutes.
The police are also installing robo-guards in prisons. These bots are equipped with cameras and specialized software which can detect inmate behavior. They have been designed in such a way that they can detect something abnormal like a prison fight or a prisoner lying on the floor. Accordingly, it will alert the authorities so that they can take appropriate action.
Robots for Directing Traffic
The police are also implementing robots in traffic control. Authorities at Kinshasa, Congo are utilizing robotics to ensure road safety through constant monitoring, prevention of accidents, and disaster relief. They have installed giant metal robots on the streets to remind students about road and traffic safety.
Implementing AI for Prompt Response
Technological upgradations can also be witnessed in the latest robot models. The incorporation of AI in robots is equipping them to take action themselves, rather than being controlled by remotes. It enables them to survey a specific area, record suspicious behavior, and so on. These new allies can assist the police force to overcome potential threats. They can act as their eyes and ears in strategic areas. The implementation of such system can also protect the police and prevent them from taking risks of their own safety.
The advent of robotics in law enforcement has already introduced revolutionary developments in the field. With emerging monumental changes in the field, we can soon witness a scenario where the police won’t have to draw their guns to contain a situation. Rather, a simple push of the button will enable the robots to capture the criminals and bring them to justice.