A failed attempt to steal an autonomous delivery robot in Los Angeles has led to the arrest and conviction of two thieves. The incident, which took place earlier this summer, was captured in its entirety by the robot’s onboard camera. The footage was later used as evidence by the police.
The thieves, in broad daylight, tried to load the small robot into a truck. However, the robot managed to escape on its own and recorded the entire scene. Thanks to the video footage, the thieves were identified and convicted for their crime.
This marks the first reported case of an attempted theft of this type of robot. The incident raises concerns about privacy, as these autonomous robots are equipped with cameras that record their surroundings. Serve Robotics, the company behind the robot, states that its robots are not used for surveillance purposes. However, it does collaborate with the police and justice system if requested to do so.
The incident has sparked a debate about the potential violation of privacy by autonomous robots used for last-mile deliveries in the United States. Serve Robotics works with well-known brands such as Uber Eats and 7-Eleven for these deliveries. While the company has not disclosed how long the daily recordings are retained, this case brings attention to the privacy implications of using these robots in public spaces.
As the use of autonomous delivery robots becomes more widespread, it is important to address the balance between security and privacy. While these robots can provide valuable evidence in incidents like theft, there is also a need to protect individuals’ privacy rights. This case serves as a reminder that these robots are not defenceless machines and that attempts to steal them can be thwarted with the help of their onboard cameras.
Sources:
– 404 Media
– AFP Relaxnews
after navigation
2023-10-03 04:33:52
#Autonomous #Delivery #Robot #Foils #Theft #Attempt #Captures #Incident #Camera
