21 May 2017
Dubai Police on Sunday launched what it claims is the world’s first operational robot policeman, which will patrol the city’s street and use facial recognition software to help identify and catch offenders. The robot, which stands 170 centimetres tall and weighs 100 kilograms, was unveiled at the opening of the 4th Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC).

Using an emotion detector which can recognise gestures and hand signals from up to 1.5 metres away, the cyborg can detect a person's emotions and facial expressions and react accordingly, according to a press statement on Sunday.

“With an aim to assist and help people in the malls or on the streets, the Robocop is the latest smart addition to the force and has been designed to help us fight crime, keep the city safe and improve happiness levels,” Brigadier-General Khalid Nasser Al Razzouqi, director-general of smart services at Dubai Police, was quoted as saying.

“The launch of the world’s first operational Robocop is a significant milestone for the emirate and a step towards realising Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in smart cities technology adoption.”

The robot will be able to map the insides of buildings in order to navigate them it also comes equipped with a built-in tablet device allowing it to complete smart police services using credit cards for payments. As well as able to shake hands and offer a military salute, the robot can communicate in six languages, including Arabic, English.

© Zawya 2017