Autonomous surveillance robot deployed in Atlanta to combat crime
An autonomous surveillance robot has been deployed in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, a neighborhood that has witnessed a surge in violent crimes over the past seven months. The Boulevard Street area, which has become a hotbed for public safety concerns, is now under the watchful eyes of this advanced technology. Residents have reported frequent sightings of bullets on the street and expressed their fear due to recent incidents.
Crime statistics prompt deployment of surveillance robot
The Atlanta Police Department has disclosed that 34 crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, and multiple assaults, have been reported in the area over the past seven months. This alarming statistic has prompted the deployment of the autonomous surveillance robot. The Knightscope robot operates independently and is designed to detect anomalies and report back to a security operation center.
A new approach to public safety
Stacy Stephens, EVP and Chief Client Officer at Knightscope, explained that the robot is not specifically looking for individuals engaged in illicit activities. Instead, it's scanning for things that seem out of place given the time of day or level of activity. The robot used in Boulevard stands at 5 feet 6-inch tall and weighs 191kg. It does not collect any private information but focuses on publicly available data.
Atlanta City Councilman expresses cautious optimism
Atlanta City Councilman Amir Farokhi has expressed cautious optimism about the role of the autonomous robot in future public safety. He acknowledged that neither the police department nor the City of Atlanta has previously used such a robot. However, he believes this could mark the beginning of a new era where more technologies like these will be developed for public safety purposes.
Robot's trial period and community response
The robot, developed by Wingate Properties, will be in trial mode for a few weeks while it's being set up. The company is currently using the data collected as an additional source of information and keeping the police department updated. Despite initial apprehensions about privacy, residents have expressed relief over the robot's deployment due to their primary concern for safety amid rising crime rates.
