In news that seem to come from a science fiction novel, a group of students from the Florida International University (FIU) have designed a prototype "robot cop" that is expected to assist officers with disability and war veterans patrol the streets of Miami.
Baptized with the name "Telebot", the robot is designed to imitate arm, torso and head movements of an officer in a remote location, through a complex system comprised of 10 sensors that allow a real officer to control it from far away, according to an Associated Press report, quoted by the Miami Herald.
In this manner, an officer with a disability, such as missing an arm, could send signals through sensors placed in the muscle that are interpreted as the intention to move an arm, an action that would be carried out by the robot cop.
"Our tele-presence robot, 'Telebot', is designed for high-density urban environments. It's specially well-suited for busy areas, such as sports events, parades, fairs, public celebrations, parks and school. Disabled veterans remotely control the Telebot, which provides high definition live audio and video and allows them to interact with people," said FIU through a press release quoted by CBS.
With a height of 1.83 meters, weighing 34 kilograms and guaranteed mobility through a system of wheels not unlike those in a Segway, the Telebot is also equipped with three high definition cameras that provide its operator with a 360 degree visual field with zoom and automatic focus functions, which provides total information to policemen in case anything happens.
According to CBS, this "RoboCop" project began in 2012, when US Navy Lieutenant Jeremy Robins donated $20,000 to the Discovery Lab to develop prototypes that could help officers carry out their duties, and allow the return to public service to veterans that might have a disability.