In the not-too-distant future, the streets of our cities could be silently patrolled by robots. These steel guardians, programmed to ensure safety and order, embody an advanced technological reality that borders on the boundaries of science fiction. However, this futuristic vision brings with it profound questions: will we be facing a vanguard in urban security or the dawn of a new dystopia?
The progress of robotics in safety
Robotics has made great strides in recent years, and its use in the field of urban security is one of the most intriguing aspects. Society like Knightscope they are developing advanced robots, such as LoDoMus Prime, which have already shown that they can significantly reduce crime. Particularly car thefts in specific areas, such as some parking lots in Denver.
Knightscope robots represent a cutting edge in the field of robotic safety. They combine advanced technologies with practical applications to improve public safety, and there are already 7000 of them on the road in the United States.
What are the characteristics of robot guardians?
- Autonomous Surveillance: Knightscope robots are designed to operate autonomously, patrolling designated areas without the need for constant human control. They are equipped with advanced navigation systems that allow them to navigate complex urban environments.
- Anomaly Detection: Thanks to artificial intelligence, these guardian robots are capable of detecting anomalous or potentially dangerous behavior. They can identify suspicious activity such as people loitering in prohibited areas or vehicles stopped in unauthorized areas.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Equipped with a variety of sensors, Knightscope robots continuously collect data. Data that is then analyzed to identify patterns or trends that may indicate potential security threats.
- 360 Degree Cameras: The guardian robots are equipped with cameras that offer 360-degree vision, allowing complete surveillance of the surrounding area. This helps to monitor even large open spaces, and to quickly identify dangerous situations.
- Direct Communication: In the event of an emergency or suspicious situation, robots can communicate directly with law enforcement or security personnel, providing real-time information and acting as a first responder.
- Facial and License Plate Recognition: Some models of robot guardians are capable of facial recognition (this thing The European Union doesn't like it) and license plate reading, further increasing their effectiveness in crime prevention and detection.
- Dissemination of Announcements: They can be used to disseminate public safety announcements or communications, acting as warning or information systems in critical situations.
Ethical and privacy implications
Despite their advanced capabilities, the use of Knightscope robots raises important questions regarding privacy and ethics. Constant monitoring and large-scale data collection can be seen as an invasion of privacy. Furthermore, the management and protection of the data collected are of fundamental importance to prevent misuse or loss of sensitive information, as it foresees this 2021 study.
In the context of a rapidly evolving world, where safety is a growing priority, Knightscope robots offer innovative solutions. However, it is essential to balance the benefits of technology with individual rights and freedoms. A holistic approach, which considers both technological benefits and ethical implications, will be crucial to ensuring that progress in this field is both effective and respectful of democratic and humanistic principles.
Ambitions and risks
Knightscope's William Lee's ambition to make the world safer with the use of these guardian robots is bold. The idea of a network of security robots suggests a future in which crime prevention is entrusted to intelligent machines, operating in every corner of our cities.
Something similar, so to speak, to robots "authorized to also use lethal force" already on staff in the San Francisco police, or armed drones expected for some time in the laws of North Dakota. Some will feel reassured, others will have shivers. How is the balance point found?
Robot guardians: ethical dilemmas and regulation
Despite the benefits, the rapid development of robotic technology raises important ethical questions. The need for regulation that keeps pace with innovation is crucial to ensure that the use of robots respects the principles of fairness and does not introduce new forms of discrimination.
How can we ensure that the benefits of robotic surveillance, perhaps in combination with AI and new IT surveillance tools (like the Italian Giove) do not turn into new ethical challenges?
Preventing AI Bias
The quality and diversity of the data with which robots are trained is essential to prevent discriminatory behavior. It is imperative that companies commit to using datasets that reflect the diversity of society to prevent AI from acting with bias. It's not theory, the problem has already manifested itself: the "pre-crime" artificial intelligence tools adopted in Australia, for example, they showed to punish people of color and low-income people more often.
We must be proactive in discussing and defining the role that AI and robots will play in our society, to ensure that technological progress aligns with our values. It's critical that we maintain an open and inclusive dialogue as we move towards a future where robot guardians could become very, very present.
We say too much.
