Police in the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou have a new tool to identify and neutralize threats. It is a state-of-the-art “spherical” robot that patrols the streets alongside the agents.
As reported by the Xinhua News Agency, this rolling machine weighs more than 100 kg and reaches its maximum speed of 30 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Additionally, its design allows it to maintain stability while moving.
A futuristic looking robot
The robot, called “RT-G”, is prepared to take action in confrontation scenarios. Agents can equip it with different accessories, such as capture netstear gas sprayers and smoke bombs.
According to Huang Sufeng, deputy captain of the Lucheng Public Security Special Patrol Police Brigade, the robot can “identify and fight, and can also capture.” As if this were not enough, it is a system with amphibious capacity.
RT-G is a development based on patented technology from the School of Control Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University. For now it has been deployed on a trial basisalthough it operates 24 hours a day in a commercial area.
Both the authorities and those involved in the development of the project want to know if this type of solution is suitable to respond in hostile environments. Additionally, advanced technology can be a valuable resource for officers on the streets.
If the project prospers, production units may possibly be built to reduce its high cost. Currently, each test unit is priced at around 400,000 yuan (52.000 euros). This could change.
Security forces have long relied on robots for various tasks. Some elite teams often use Talon units manufactured by Foster-Miller in rescue or explosive ordnance disposal missions.
There are also other types of units. Knightscope K5 robots, for example, patrol the Times Square subway waiting areas. They are basically mobile totems with camera and a help button with the legend “Push for assistance”.
Images | Lucheng Public Security Bureau
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