Police robots can handle the dangerous and tedious jobs that human officers would rather avoid — like disarming bombs or sneaking around on surveillance missions.
With cameras, sensors, and the ability to roll into threatening places, they’re not too different from the 80s movie icon, RoboCop (minus the human brain or gritty one-liners).
Today, police robots are helping make law enforcement safer, smarter, and more efficient.
Read on for more about:
- Types of police robots
- How they work and where they’re used
- Pros and cons of adding robots to the force
Let’s explore the key types first.
Key types of police robots
Not all police robots are built the same — they each bring something unique to the squad.
Let’s take a look:
- Bomb-defusing robot: These robots roll into dangerous situations to inspect and neutralize explosives. They use cameras, robotic arms, and tools to disarm threats while keeping officers safely out of range.
- Surveillance bots: Compact and mobile, these robots patrol areas, spy on suspects, and gather intel. They’re perfect for keeping tabs without putting officers in danger — and they don’t get spooked when the bad guys spot them.
- Disaster zone bots: Whether they’re crawling through rubble or navigating flooded streets, these bots find missing people in places humans can’t reach. No need for snacks or naps — they just keep going until everyone’s safe.
- Crowd control bots: Managing large gatherings isn’t easy, but these robots handle it perfectly. They use tools like protective barriers and loudspeakers to guide crowds while officers focus on other jobs. And yes, they’re immune to insults from rowdy bystanders.
How police robots work
Police robots may not have badges, but they know how to get the job done.
Here’s how they work:
- They’re remote-controlled: Officers operate most police robots from a safe distance using joysticks and control panels. It’s a lot like playing a video game — but with way higher stakes.
- They’ve got sensors for days: Cameras, thermal imaging, and microphones help them gather real-time intel and send it back to officers. If there’s something worth seeing (or hearing), these robots catch it.
- They’re smarter than they look: Some robots can avoid obstacles, plan routes, and even map their surroundings. Don’t worry — they’re not running the precinct anytime soon.
What jobs do police robots handle?
Police robots aren’t writing speeding tickets, but they’re stepping into plenty of other important jobs.
Here are the jobs police robots do:
- Taking the boom out of bombs: Robots handle explosives so officers don’t have to. They inspect, disarm, and transport dangerous devices, making sure everyone stays safe.
- Negotiating without risking lives: In hostages or crises, robots provide live video and audio feeds, letting officers see what’s going on and communicate with suspects or hostages.
- Searching in the tough spots: From collapsed buildings to rugged terrain, these bots locate survivors where humans can’t. They’re fast, thorough, and don’t mind getting dirty.
- Watching without being watched: Robots patrol high-risk areas and tail suspects, gathering intel without putting human officers in danger.
Why are police robots a big deal?
Robots aren’t just for show — they’ve got pretty tangible benefits for law enforcement.
Let’s recap:
- They keep officers safe: Robots step in when the job’s too dangerous for a human. Whether it’s handling explosives or navigating unstable structures, they take the risk out of the equation.
- They work non-stop: Robots don’t get tired, take coffee breaks, call in sick — or get ouchies while on duty. They handle repetitive and high-risk jobs all day, every day, and will ask for seconds like they’re in the cast of The Expendables.
- They see what others can’t: With cameras, thermal imaging, and audio sensors, robots provide real-time intel that helps officers make better decisions. (It reminds us of this movie with a robotic law-enforcement official…)
- They free up the force: By taking care of these jobs (both tedious and dangerous), robots let officers focus on higher-value work like solving crimes and connecting with the community. And they keep them out of harm’s way to boot.
Challenges of using police robots
Even the best bots have a few bugs:
- Big price tags: Police robots don’t come cheap, and smaller departments might struggle to afford them. Spot, for instance, runs around $75,000 apiece. Other robots, like the KS5, go for less, closer to a $9/hr price if you choose to lease.
- They still need babysitters: Most robots require human operators to guide them, especially for complicated jobs.
- Not everyone loves them: Public concerns about surveillance and privacy are real, and departments need to tread carefully. (Remember ED-209 from that one movie?)
- They’re not invincible: Extreme weather, tough terrain, or unexpected obstacles can throw even the best robot off its game.
Summing up
The police robot has earned its spot on the force by taking on dangerous, repetitive, and time-consuming jobs. These bots make law enforcement safer, faster, and more effective.
While they’re not perfect — let’s be real, nothing is — the benefits often outweigh the challenges for departments willing to put up the big bucks.
Now, if you’re more interested in industrial automation, you have to look elsewhere, though!
Next steps
Are you looking for a robot that handles tough jobs outside of law enforcement? Meet RO1 from Standard Bots — it’s the six-axis cobot arm ready to keep your operations moving smoothly.
Here’s how RO1 can help:
- Handles all kinds of jobs: RO1 takes on material handling, equipment transport, and light assembly in industries like manufacturing and warehousing, all thanks to its 18kg payload and excellent repeatability.
- Keeps costs low: Starting at $5/hour, RO1 delivers affordable automation without cutting corners. It’s also worth half the price of competing models if you choose to buy.
- Easy to program: No-code programming makes setup simple so that anyone can reprogram RO1 for new tasks without technical headaches. And, with AI on par with GPT-4, it adapts to changing operations easily.
Ready to see RO1 in action? Schedule a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and find out how it can transform your business.
