Enhancing Urban Public Safety: A Pilot Study on Dual-Function Patrol Robots in Law Enforcement

• In Event: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in Law Enforcement

Abstract

This study examines a pilot police patrol program that integrates dual-function (autonomous and manual) patrol robots within law enforcement settings, focusing on an urban campus environment to evaluate their impact on public safety and crime control. It critically examines the robots' operational efficiency, their effect on public safety, and their capacity to balance technological innovation with privacy and ethical concerns. Situated in Boston's rich robotics ecosystem, this project not only evaluates the robots' capabilities but also aims to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among leading companies and academic institutions to advance robot-assisted law enforcement. The research anticipates generating a detailed analysis of the advantages and challenges of robot patrols, providing insights into effective program designs, and formulating guidelines for navigating the complex landscape of legal, ethical, and privacy issues. This pioneering study seeks to lay the groundwork for the broader application of robotics in public safety, contributing to the evolution of more uniform, cost-efficient, and effective law enforcement strategies across diverse geographical settings.

Authors

• Kyung-Shick Choi, Boston University

• Insun Park, University of Akron

• Charles Sinchul Back, University of Scranton

• Lou Chitkushev, Boston University

• Mike Toro-Alvarez, Southern Illinois University Carbondale