It looks like something out of a science fiction movie, but Digidog was introduced to the New York public as the robot dog that will help the police department solve some criminal cases. He will also be able to broadcast his work live if necessary.
Digidog, police officer and robot dog, already patrols the streets of New York City, in the United States. He is affectionate with his companions, but is tasked with policing the city relentlessly but—unlike his living colleagues—with no reward for his services.
This Wednesday Digidog was presented, although its work began a few months ago. At the moment, it is used to detect incidents and transmit live images; It is expected that it will also serve as chases through the streets of the Big Apple.
Sergeant Carlos Nieves, a Spanish-language spokesman for the NYPD, confirmed to voice of america that the purchase of two Digidogs involved a disbursement of $139,000 that the citizens did not pay, since money seized in crimes was used with which the court authorized the purchase of security elements.
In addition, to this new model of police dog, an arm similar to a dog’s face was added that will be used to open doors, pick up suspicious packages and be the one who gives face in case of kidnapping to avoid contact between the criminal and the police in hostage negotiation situations.
Another task that the Digidog will have, the spokesman said, will be to “detect dangerous gases for humans and send the robot and not expose a police officer.”
Something that the authorities highlighted is that the robots will not have facial recognition in any of their cameras.
The task of the robot -similar to the famous “Arturito” of the saga Star Wars– will be to deter and assist human officers in patrol tasks at public transportation stations near the downtown area of Times Square.
The New York Police Department will rent the robot by the day on a trial basis for 90 days. The device will have the possibility of connecting directly with the 911 emergency call line and transmitting the situation live and thus avoiding serious incidents with police officers who do not know exactly what they are exposed to when they arrive at the scene of the incident.
Mayor Eric Adams, a former New York police officer, appreciated the fact of using technology to fight crime in a city that maintains high crime rates, according to the latest official statistics of the police department of this city.
Adams criticized his predecessor Bill de Blasio for his poor use of technology and security: “The previous administration did not have a mayor who was a computer geek and was willing to go where others are not willing to go to keep safe the city. I made it clear on the campaign trail, I’m going to use technology transparently to keep this city safe.”
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel YouTube and activate notifications, or follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter e Instagram.
2023-04-12 07:00:00
#Robot #dogs #fight #crime #streets #York
