New York City Introduces High-Tech Robot to Patrol Times Square Subway Station
NEW YORK CITY – In a move to combat delinquency and enhance public safety, the New York Police Department (NYPD) will soon deploy a state-of-the-art robot weighing 420 pounds at the Times Square station. The robot, known as K5, was officially presented by New York Mayor Eric Adams on Friday at the famous Manhattan station.
The K5 robot, designed and manufactured by technology company Knightscope, will be on duty every day between midnight and 6 a.m., patrolling various areas of the bustling station to provide assistance to individuals in need. Equipped with video recording capabilities (without audio), it will also feature a button for passersby to connect directly with the NYPD if they have questions, require assistance, or need to report an emergency.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of staying ahead of criminals in terms of technology. “The NYPD must be on the cutting edge of technology and two steps ahead of those who use it to harm New Yorkers,” he said. “Our city is taking an existing technology, cameras that can communicate with people, and putting them on wheels to ensure they can be used 24/7. The deployment of this robot aligns with our commitment to ensuring the safety and prosperity of New Yorkers.”
The mayor assured citizens that the implementation of K5 will not infringe upon civil liberties. “We believe in using advanced technology intelligently and non-intrusively,” he added. Mayor Adams mentioned that technology will continue to play a crucial role in combating crime, particularly in the transportation system, and it is necessary to explore all available methods to ensure New York City remains the safest big city in the United States.
To address concerns about costs, Mayor Adams clarified that the robot will undergo a two-month trial period to evaluate its effectiveness before a decision is made regarding its future use by the NYPD. He also revealed that the robot is currently being leased at a cost of $9 per hour, adding that the investment is well worth it for the city’s public safety.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of utilizing innovative technology to stay one step ahead of criminals while simultaneously reducing operational costs. Justin Meyers, Chief of Operations for the City’s Public Safety Office, stated, “Technology allows us to do more with less and is the future of public safety here in New York City.”
Richard Davey, president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), praised the robot’s effectiveness and the extensive camera network present at the Times Square station, which will aid in identifying and apprehending individuals who commit crimes or vandalize the robot. He warned potential wrongdoers, “If anyone destroys or vandalizes it, they will be caught on video, prosecuted, and arrested. The extensive camera system in the subway, coupled with the K5 robot, will ensure that criminals will be identified and face consequences.”
The introduction of the K5 robot marks a significant step forward for New York City in utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety. As the trial period begins, authorities remain optimistic about the positive impact the robot will have on deterring delinquency and ensuring the safety of subway users in Times Square.