Police robots are patrolling Singapore Airport – and this is just the beginning

Autonomous Security Devices
Police robots are patrolling Singapore Airport – and this is just the beginning

In order to be in control of the situation and to ensure security and order in the event of an operation at the airport, the police in Singapore are now using robots. The devices, which are up to 2.30 meters tall, are equipped with a 360-degree camera, among other things, and should be able to patrol autonomously.

They have sirens, a camera and are said to be able to act independently: the new security robots used by the police at Singapore Airport are not only intended to “show additional police presence”, but also to actively support police operations.

If an incident occurs, the approximately 1.70 meter tall robots are able to set up barriers and warn people in the area with the help of flashing lights, sirens and loudspeakers. An LCD display integrated on the back of the robot is intended to convey visual information. In addition, people should be able to communicate directly with the police by pressing a button on the front.

The police should be able to “perform tasks more effectively”.

The police presented the first two security robots for Changi Airport to media representatives on Thursday. Officials simulated an operation in which a person placed a bag on a pillar at the airport. The police officers then approached the man while the robot secured the area and issued warnings about the ongoing police operation.

“The integration of robots improves the operational efficiency and skills of our frontline officers, enabling them to carry out their duties more effectively,” said Lim Ke Wei, superintendent and chief of airport police, in a press release. “These patrol robots work autonomously alongside our police officers and provide additional eyes on the ground,” the Singapore newspaper The Straits Times quoted the airport police chief as saying.

Numerous other robots in use at Changi Airport

The police robots were first used on a trial basis at a public parade in early 2018. This was followed by a test phase of more than five years. The first two robots are now in service with the airport police. And they shall only be the beginning; More devices of this type are planned to be introduced at various locations in Singapore in the coming years.

The police robots are thus expanding a series of other robots at Changi Airport, which is striking for its modern architecture and was voted one of the top airports in the world in the annual survey by the London Skytrax Institute in September 2022. In addition, robots are already being used in garbage disposal and in the concierge area to make operations more efficient and reduce dependence on (human) workers.

Sources: The Straits Times, Police Singapore, CNN