Robotics

New York City police launch security robot at subway station

New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams at left, introduce the K5 security robot. Photo provided by Knightscope Inc.

September 27, 2023

The New York Police Department recently launched a security robot from Knightscope Inc., a developer of autonomous security robots and emergency communication systems, at a press conference in a Manhattan subway station, according to a press release.

The first two weeks will be spent on training, configuration and setup protocols for the K5 autonomous robot to navigate followed by patrol activities between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

Other police departments have been using Knightscope's technologies for years, with one Los Angeles County, California agency praising the company for reducing crime in a public park.

"Today we take that notion of tried-and-true policing of assigning a transit cop to their post, and we bring that to a different level," Michael Kemper, chief of NYPD Transit, said in the press release. "It's fitting that we're near the theater district, because today the K5 is taking center stage. Welcome to New York City, K5!"