Weighing 190 kg. K5 robots will monitor law enforcement in the New York subway (photo)
The New York City Police Department is introducing a robot called K5 to ensure security at the Times Square subway station.
The robot was created by Knightscope. It looks like a massive version of R2-D2 and will be used to patrol the station from midnight to 6 am. The K5 weighs 190 kg and is equipped with four cameras that can record video but not audio. During its trial period, which will last two months, the robot will study the map of the station and patrol only the main areas, not the platforms.
It is not yet clear whether law enforcement will monitor the video recorded by the robot. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that the video will be available for viewing in case of emergencies or crimes. Adams also said that the robot should not use facial recognition, although some experts are concerned about the possible use of this technology in the future. It is known that K5 cannot physically detain suspects or respond to emergencies. Its main function is to ensure security by providing the ability to communicate with live people.
New York will rent K5 for about $9 per hour for the next two months.
