The NYPD has removed their robots from patrol duty, at least for now
New York NY February 5, 2024
The NYPD has removed their robots from patrol duty, at least for now.
The NYPD robot that documented potential criminal activity at the Times Square subway station has completed its trial run, according to ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
K5, the fully autonomous outdoor security robot, was first introduced to New Yorkers in April 2023 at a news conference announcing, “deployment of innovative policing technologies,” the outlet reported.
At a news conference in September, when the robot was deployed, Mayor Eric Adams said the robot will become a part of the fabric of the subway system, according to ABC 7.
“This is below minimum wage. No bathroom breaks. No meal breaks. This is a good investment,” said Adams, Eyewitness News reported.
The robot was designed to operate without human handlers, but had officers assigned to chaperone it daily, according to ABC 7.
According to the outlet, the city leased the robot from Knightscope and is now preparing for the robot’s next assignment.
