Robocops Could Patrol UK Streets Within Five Years, Expert Predicts
Robot police officers may be patrolling streets across the United Kingdom in as little as five years, according to a leading expert. Professor Ivan Sun from the University of Delaware has forecast that these real-life 'robocops' will possess the capability to detect, pursue, and apprehend suspects autonomously by 2031.
Global Policing Challenges Drive Innovation
Professor Sun explained that police forces worldwide are grappling with escalating crime rates, sophisticated criminal networks, and dwindling officer numbers. This pressing need for enhanced law enforcement resources is accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies. Humanoid robots are already operational in countries like China, and Professor Sun anticipates this trend will soon spread to Western nations, including the UK.
He predicts that by 2031, robot police officers will utilise facial recognition systems to identify criminals, chase them down, and detain them effectively. While these robots would likely require human partners for oversight, they could prove invaluable in high-risk scenarios. 'The sky is really the limit. Take a robbery, for instance – they could really take control of the scene,' Professor Sun stated.
Advanced AI Capabilities and Operational Benefits
These AI-powered robots would offer significant advantages over human officers. 'They could chase you for five miles and they won't get tired. At the same time, while they are chasing the suspect, they can scan the suspect's bio and characteristics. Their AI can detect from 200 metres away if the suspect has a weapon or not. A human officer would not be able to do that,' he elaborated. This could enhance officer safety and operational efficiency, with a single robot potentially performing the duties of three human officers without breaks.
Alongside standalone robots, human police officers might be equipped with AI-enhanced helmets to aid decision-making in critical situations, such as determining whether to use lethal force. However, Professor Sun cautioned that numerous legal, moral, and privacy concerns must be addressed before widespread integration into communities.
Research and Global Perspectives
Professor Sun is currently conducting surveys among police officers globally, including in the UK, to gauge opinions on AI-powered policing. His research involves presenting officers with videos of 'service' robots for community relations and 'crime-fighting' robots for apprehension tasks. He expects UK officers to favour crime-fighting models due to their potential to reduce dangers and unpredictability in law enforcement operations.
A recent study by Professor Sun, published in the Asian Journal of Criminology, highlights that countries like China, the USA, Singapore, and the UAE are already piloting robotic systems with varying autonomy levels. These systems often incorporate technologies such as facial recognition and predictive algorithms. For instance, Singapore's Xavier robot patrols public areas to detect undesirable behaviours, while China's AnBot conducts surveillance and identity verification.
Future Implications and Ethical Considerations
The study notes that while current uses of police robots are largely symbolic, rapid technological evolution could soon change this. 'The deployment of AI-powered police robots represents a new frontier in the technological transformation of policing,' it concludes, emphasising greater support for crime-fighting robots over service-oriented ones among officers.
Professor Sun presented his findings at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Phoenix, Arizona, sparking discussions on the future of law enforcement. As AI continues to advance, the integration of robot police officers appears inevitable, promising to reshape public safety strategies in the coming years.
