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 operates autonomously and moves through the crowds at Toa Payoh Central, seeking what authorities consider unwanted social behavior.
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 robot encounters any of these activities, it sends real-time alerts to the command and control center that monitors the robot's operation. 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, the Xavier has many sensors and safety features, which allow it to operate without human supervision and enables it to avoid obstacles and pedestrians. The police plan the route of his patrol in advance. The robot's cameras send 360-degree streaming 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.
