The robot that patrolled the New York subway was fired from the police: what will happen to it next?

Completely autonomous robot K5 for external surveillance and patrolling, subway stations were presented to New Yorkers at a press conference in April 2023. According to ABC7NY, a robot that has captured the attention of tourists and locals alike, has completed its test service on the New York City subway system.

At a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his excitement about the new technology: “Eventually it will become part of our subway system. It costs less than the minimum wage. No toilet breaks. No food breaks. It's a good investment.”

The white robot, weighing about 180 kg, was created to work without people, but was accompanied by officers throughout the journey. In addition, the robot was not able to move throughout the entire station area, since it could not use the stairs.

In June 2023, the Legal Aid Society called on officials to investigate the Adams administration's implementation of new surveillance technologies such as the subway robot, DigiDog, and others. The city leased the robot from Knightscope and is now considering options for its future use.

Shane Ferro, staff attorney for the Digital Forensics Unit at the Legal Aid Society, commented skeptically on the invention: “The Adams administration continues to be distracted by false claims of high-tech solutions to perennial problems. The NYPD robot on the subway is an unnecessary expense and a public gimmick that serves no legitimate safety purpose.”