Singapore tests patrol robots to deter social misbehavior

SINGAPORE, September 6 (Reuters) – Singapore has begun testing robots to patrol public areas and deter social misbehavior in its latest effort to further increase its strong portfolio of surveillance tools.

Ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, Singapore has tested two autonomous robots to detect misbehavior, such as the transfer of COVID-19 security measures, smoking in prohibited areas and inadequate bicycle parking, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency of Singapore. he said in a statement Sunday.

The two patrol robots, named Xavier, were said to be equipped with cameras that can detect social misbehavior and trigger real-time alerts at the command and control center.

The trial takes place in a busy area in central Singapore.

The agency said that during the three-week trial, the robots would be used for monitoring and displaying messages to educate the public about proper behavior. An agency spokesman said Monday that the robots would not be used to enforce the law during the trial.

“Xavier’s deployment will support the work of public officers as it will reduce the manpower required for foot patrols and improve the efficiency of the operation,” the agency said.

Singapore Home Secretary K Shanmugam said in August that the city-state was aiming to have more than 200,000 police cameras by 2030, more than double the current number of cameras deployed across the country. insular state in Southeast Asia.

Chen Lin Report in Singapore Edition by Marguerita Choy

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