NYPD ends Knightscope K5 security robot trial
Occurred: September 2023-February 2024
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The New York Police Department ended its use of Knightscope's security robot in Times Square subway station after a six-month trial, calling into question the effectiveness of the robot.
Initially heralded as a low-cost method of determining crime, the robot, which was designed to operate autonomously, received a mixed recpetion from New Yorkers and visitors, with some saying it was potentially a valuable additional crime-fighting resource.
Others reckoned it seemed to do very little, was unable to walk up or down stairs, always required assistance, was a waste of resources, and threatened people's privacy.
In addition to raising questions about the effectiveness of the Knightscope K5 robot as a crime-fighting tool, the NYPD's decision to stop its use - for the time being - highlights the careful balance police authorities are seen to have to strike between fighting crime, and protecting the legal rights and ethical concerns of citizens.
System 🤖
Operator: New York citizens
Developer: Knightscope
Country: USA
Sector: Govt - police
Purpose: Strengthen security
Technology: Robotics
Issue: Effectiveness/value; Privacy; Surveillance
Research, advocacy 🧮
S.T.O.P. (2024). S.T.O.P. Welcomes End Of NYPD Times Sq. Robot Pilot
S.T.O.P. (2023). S.T.O.P. Condemns NYPD’s ‘Knockoff Robocop’ Police Drones
News, commentary, analysis 🗞️
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/02/nyregion/nypd-subway-robot-retires.html
https://www.engadget.com/nyc-ends-trial-run-of-times-square-subways-security-robot-105528275.html
https://nypost.com/2024/02/04/metro/nypd-robot-no-longer-patrolling-times-square-station/
https://www.popsci.com/technology/nypd-retires-k5-subway-robot/
https://abc7ny.com/nypd-robot-security-k5-subway-patrol/14381116/
Page info
Type: Issue
Published: February 2024