Dubai’s Robocop

About the city. The local government of Dubai has implemented the use of the Dubai Now platform and is also working along with the United Nations to develop a Smart City Index.

Goal

To improve the security of the city, the local government implements the use of robots. In fact, Dubai Police has just recruited its first Robocop. This robot is being used to chase down suspects and nab parking fee dodgers. Furthermore, the police in this city are also planning to implement the use of robotic patrols.

Implementation period. The first Robocop was launched 21st of May, 2017.

Fact

The number of people in Dubai increasing and Dubai government wants to relocate police officers so they can work in the right areas and can concentrate on providing a safe city.

Solutions

The Dubai Police has added its first Robocop to its team. The use of the Robocop should assist the Dubai Police in chasing down suspects and nab parking fee dodgers. Initially, the tasks of the Robocop will be posting at malls and tourist attractions. People can make use of Robocop by tapping on the touchscreen on its chest to report a crime, pay traffic fines or chat in English and Arabic. The robot has a built-in camera that streams directly to the police command centre.

Clad in the colours of the Dubai Police uniform, the life-size robot, which can shake hands and perform a military salute.

It can compare faces with a police database and flag matches to headquarters. It can read vehicle license plates and its video feed can help police watch for risks such as unattended bags in popular areas of Dubai, a financial and tourism hub.

With time, the Dubai Police plans to expand the use of Robocops. The next batch of robots will help tackle crime and misdemeanours. The city is planning to expand their Robocop task force within the next two years. Furthermore, this 3-metre tall robot will also help to carry heavy equipment and will be manoeuvred by the police officer seated in a cabin inside.

Challenges

The newly-recruit Robocop could speak only in English and Arabic.

Later languages such as Russian, Chinese, French and Spanish were included in the list of languages spoken by the Robocop.

Team

Robocop was built by Barcelona-based PAL Robotics and programmed by Dubai Police.

Timeline

Usage of robocop showed high efficiency and now The Dubai Police is aiming to have 25% of the force to be robotic by 2030. This will provide the Dubai Police the possibility to focus on crime prevention.

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