NYPD Launches K5 Knightscope Robot at Times Square Subway Station

JAKARTA - The New York Police Department (NYPD) launched the K5 security robot on Friday, September 22 at the Manhattan subway station. This press conference was supported by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The K5 robot produced by Knightscope, a company that makes security robots, has been used in hospitals, shopping centers, airports, warehouses and casinos. After this, the K5 robot will soon be distributed at the Times Square subway station, reported by The New York Times.

This robot works with four cameras that will record video without audio. This robot also does not have a facial recognition system. Despite some shortcomings, the K5 is weather-resistant and can provide high-quality 360-degree footage.

During the first two weeks, this robot will be trained, configured, and set up with protocols so that it can navigate. While mapping the Times Square subway station, this robot will be accompanied by officers from midnight 00.00 a.m. to 06.00 a.m. in the morning.

The K5 robot also has a button to request help. When this button is pressed, a fairly loud sound will be heard followed by a voice saying, “This call may be recorded for your safety.”

At its launch at a press conference, New York Mayor Eric Adams stated that the NYPD must be at the forefront of technology. Apart from that, the NYPD must also go twice as far in utilizing technology for the community.

By using this technology, Adams wants to maintain more security and fairness, especially at subway stations.

“When people feel unsafe using our trains and buses, that also impacts our economic stability,” Adam said.