If you’re itching to witness Robocop in action, look no further than Changi Airport Terminal 4. Channel News Asia reported on June 15, 2023, that the Singapore Police Force has introduced two new patrol robots to assist their frontline officers. This is just the beginning, as the SPF has plans to deploy more robots across the city-state of Singapore. We can expect an increasing presence of robots in our daily lives, especially as countries like Singapore embrace the use of these technological marvels. As a major tourist attraction, Changi Airport’s adoption of robot security may inspire other airports to follow suit. The time is near when robots will be our trusty companions in various tasks. With that in mind, it is important to understand the potential impact they could have on our lives. In this article, we will delve into the world of Changi Airport security robots and explore the insights of an expert on the risks and limitations associated with these machines.
The robots introduced at Changi Airport are part of Project MATAR (Multi-purpose All-Terrain Autonomous Robot), as reported by Channel News Asia. These prototypes are equipped to patrol the airport autonomously, without the need for human controllers. With a camera sporting a 360-degree field of view mounted on an extendable mast, these robots provide officers with a broader perspective of their surroundings. Essentially, they serve as extra sets of eyes on the ground. Additionally, civilians can make direct contact with airport police by pressing a button on the front of the robot, which will immediately alert an officer in the operations room. These police robots are also capable of broadcasting audio messages through speakers and displaying warnings on LCD panels. This allows them to inform bystanders of ongoing police operations or other relevant activities. They are also equipped with sirens and blinkers to establish cordons when necessary. For instance, a robot may warn the public about an unattended suspicious bag in the terminal. Furthermore, the robot’s camera livestreams footage, which is recorded and stored by the operations room for 30 days. Superintendent of Police Lim Ke Wei expressed his belief that integrating robotics enhances the efficiency and capabilities of frontline officers, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.
The introduction of these police robots at Changi Airport has piqued the interest of robotics experts worldwide. Helge Wurdemann, a Professor of Robotics from the University College London, shared his insights on the matter with UK news outlet iNews. One concern he raised is the potential unease that the presence of these machines may cause among people at Changi Airport. Professor Wurdemann believes that individuals might feel continuously monitored and recorded, and these anxieties must be addressed and taken seriously when deploying robot cops. While Singapore’s robots mark a significant milestone in robotics and policing, Wurdemann believes large-scale deployment on city streets is not yet feasible. He explains that open environments pose more challenges from a robotics research perspective, as there are various surfaces and incidents that may occur. Similar to the challenges faced by the deployment of autonomous vehicles, outdoor environments can be unpredictable, with crooked paths, potholes, stray animals, and potential human interference. Nevertheless, Wurdemann emphasizes that keeping human experiences at the forefront is crucial. By having a human operator in an operations room with complete control over the robots, the potential for undesirable outcomes can be minimized.
In conclusion, Changi Airport has introduced two new robots to enhance security and protection for travelers. The Singapore Police Force emphasizes that these robots are intended to support frontline officers rather than replace them. The effectiveness and ethical implications of these robots ultimately depend on the humans operating them. Therefore, it is imperative to invest in research, development, and widespread adoption of robotics to ensure that these machines benefit humanity. To stay updated on the latest digital trends, visit Inquirer Tech. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS for access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and over 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, and download articles as early as 4am. Call 896 6000 for more information.
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