New York’s busiest subway station, Times Square, will have a new guardian in the next two months: a police robot called “K5” that weighs almost 200 kilos and measures just over five feet talla RoboCop in the form of a giant vacuum cleaner, who is clearly not Officer Alex J. Murphy.
The announcement was made by Mayor Eric Adams, who highlighted that the main mission of this imposing robot will be to improve safety in the subway during the night shift, from midnight to 6 in the morning. However, “K5″ will not be alone in his task, as he will be accompanied by a human police officer.
In accordance with Cooperativethe capabilities of this robot are impressive, since It can record video in high definition and 360 degrees, which is useful in case of emergencies or crimes. However, it is important to note that “K5” does not record sound and does not use facial recognition technologies, which addresses privacy concerns.
Public safety and justice are the pre-requisites for prosperity — and we are committed to exploring innovative tools to keep New Yorkers safe. Join us now in Times Square. https://t.co/vQQKP3loDz
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) September 22, 2023
“K5”, below the minimum wage
The operating cost of “K5” is approximately 9 dollars per hour, a figure that Mayor Adams considered “below the minimum wage”. Additionally, he reflected on how the use of robots and other technologies, such as drones, can help save thousands of dollars by deploying labor more efficiently.
It is important to note that the Administration did not acquire the robot, but is leasing it as part of a “pilot program” to the manufacturing company, Knightscope. This company promotes “K5” as a “fully autonomous security robot for indoor and outdoor use.”
This announcement comes after Mayor Adams announced budget cuts across all municipal agencies due to the economic crisis the city is going through, estimated at around $12 billion.
We must use every available method to keep New Yorkers safe — including state of the art technologies like the Knightscope K5 security robot.
These devices will serve as an important, innovative deterrent to crime so we can keep NYC the safest big city in America. pic.twitter.com/YEHuNIw8Va
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) September 22, 2023
“K5″ has already been used in shopping malls, hospitals, factories and offices, environments more controlled than the chaotic New York subway. However, authorities warned that if the robot is vandalized, measures will be taken to pursue those responsible.