Police in Singapore have announced that, for the first time, they are conducting tests of robots patrolling the streets, increasing the strength of police officers.
The robot, named Xavier, is part of a larger project involving five public services in Singapore (HDX, National Agency Agency, Land Transport Authority, Singapore Food Agency and Housing & Development Board).
Xavier has been patrolling the streets for three weeks from 5 September. -
Xavier works like thisname and moves through the crowds at Toa Payoh Central, looking for what the authorities consider undesirable social behaviour.
The robot-looking behaviors include people smoking in restricted areas, illegally parked bicycles at the Hgb Hub, people gathering in groups of more than five, and motorized use on sidewalks.
If the bot encounters any of these activities, it sends real-time alerts to centre orders and control that oversees the operation of the robot. The robot also displays a message to warn the public, to educate the public and prevent unwanted activities.
The aim of the project is to support the police and reduce the number required for pedestrian patrols.
For its autonomous navigation, Xavier has a multitude of sensors and safety features that allow it to operate without human supervision and enable it to avoid obstacles and pedestrians. The policemen define his patrol route in advance. The cameras of the robot send streaming 360-degree video to the command and control center.
The cameras support IR and LED lighting with features that allow them to have images and videos in the dark or in low light conditions. The images are streamed to a video analysis system that utilizes artificial intelligence.
