Robotics applications have made operations easier for law enforcement agencies.
Robotics is a vast field that combines multiple disciplines to create remarkable innovations. Most people are familiar with the use of robotics in the domains of hospitality and retail, but robotics has branched out into law enforcement as well. As criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the law enforcement agencies are also trying to keep up, and, in their effort to manage crimes efficiently, governments and law enforcement agencies have deployed robots and various robotic technologies.
Reports have revealed that by 2022, the use of robotics in the law enforcement sector is expected to reach US$5.7 billion. Law enforcement professionals are using global positioning technology to confirm the presence of suspects at a crime scene. Some robots can even perform the same rigorous tasks as officers have to carry out, enabling them to focus on more important activities.
Top 10 Applications of Robotics in Law Enforcement
• Robots saving lives
The ability of robots to save lives is an overarching theme of their presence in policing. Robots can handle potential life-threatening tasks and keep officers out of danger. Bomb diffusing is one of the most advanced features of modern robots. They can also transport injured officers by carrying them away from the crime scene for medical assistance. Robots are also saving civilian lives by rescuing them from life-threatening situations.
• Surveillance
Surveillance has come a long way since its inception. Thanks to the recent advancements of robots in law enforcement, the video and audio quality have improved alongside faster connectivity and new tracking methods. Robots are now conducting autonomous surveillance. Similarly, many drones with high-quality cameras, night vision, and thermal imaging capabilities are conducting surveillance for government officials.
• Home security
Several homeowners are now using robots that move around autonomously to detect any suspicious activity, like break-ins or trespassing. Sensors can help them detect any suspicious audio or visual situations that require attention immediately. Home security robots’ connectivity and response are the primary areas of assistance for the law enforcement officers. This dynamic creates a safer environment for civilians all over the world.
• Robots for public relations
Public relation robots are integrated with AI technology and are used in several applications, like monitoring, supervision, delivery of goods, and guiding the guest. In law enforcement, these robots can identify, greet, and provide station visitors with information. The robotic applications make policing, security, and surveillance efficient for the local police departments.
• Fraud prevention
Law enforcement officials are always vigilant against frauds and, robots are helping them be more attentive and hold the right people accountable. AI-powered robots use predictive modelling to learn from previous cases of fraud or theft. By learning from the past instances, the system can alert law enforcement agencies when similar cases occur. If the prediction is wrong, the AI will learn from that and improvise for the future.
• Implementing robot juries in courtrooms
With the advent of robotics in law enforcement, experts in this domain believe that implementing AI and robotics in courtrooms as juries can eliminate bias. It would be used like an algorithm that helps determine certain things, such as the risk of allowing someone to remain in the community, based on the collected court evidence and data.
• Using robots as police officers
These police robots are equipped with infrared cameras capable of reading license plates. They also have wireless technology that is capable of identifying smartphones within its range down to the MAC and IP addresses. Police robots may not be able to hurt humans like armed predator drones used in combat, but they can call human police officers on the suspects.
• Deploying robotic police dogs
Police officials are experimenting with four-legged machines. They claim that these machines are just like other surveillance tools, like drones and simple wheeled robots, that keep responders out of harm’s way, as they scout for dangers. These robots are also capable of scanning the body temperatures of station visitors, officers, and other staff to keep everyone safe during the pandemic period.
• Efficient crime scene analysis
Analysing a crime scene, on the spot, might become challenging. Law enforcement uses drones to photograph and map crime scenes, which allows comprehensive reconstructions of the scene later on. This also allows, investigators, to return to the crime scene, allowing them to review the area in detail. With drones and robotics technology, law enforcement can use autonomous ariel machines to inspect target areas and use thermal imaging to locate missing people.
• Disaster recovery
Catastrophic events like major floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes cause serious damage. Officials deploy robots and drones to search and rescue people and animals that are stranded in collapsed buildings, on top of cars, and other places that are hard to find. These technologies help officers to reach the places where humans are unable to go and focus on swift assistance in times of need.
The Future Outlook
The emergence of robotics in law enforcement has already introduced revolutionary developments in this field. With emerging monumental changes in this domain, we might soon witness a scenario where the police will not have to draw out their guns to contain a situation. Rather, a simple push in the button will allow robots to capture the criminals and bring them to justice. Robots can help our law enforcement officials to keep our citizenry and law personals safer by putting themselves in the line of fire. With automation possibly dominating every sector, scientists and researchers are looking for less lethal amenities in the law enforcement industry, so that the implemented robots understand the standard of safety for civilians, before taking any critical step.
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