"Height 160cm, Police Officer Earning 12,000 Won per Hour Who Doesn't Even Use the Bathroom" Appears in New York

Police Robot Test Operation
Rental Price $9 per Hour, Cheaper than Minimum Wage

One of the busiest subway stations in the United States, New York Times Square, has deployed cost-effective police officers who are paid less than the minimum wage and do not need to use restrooms.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 23rd (local time) that the New York Police Department (NYPD) began testing police robots at Times Square Station from the previous night. The robot is the K5, produced by the American robotics company Knightscope.

Police robot model K5, the same as deployed in New York subway stations
[Photo by KnightScope website]

It stands 160 cm tall, about the height of an adult woman. Equipped with wheels and four cameras, it observes the surroundings 360 degrees. To protect pedestrians' privacy, facial recognition functions are not used. It is already known to have proven its performance at airports, hospitals, shopping centers, and casinos.

The rental price is $9 per hour (about 12,000 KRW). New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the advantage of securing public safety at a low cost. He said, "It costs less than the minimum wage," adding, "The robot does not need to use restrooms and performs its duties without meal breaks."

The K5 operates from midnight to 6 a.m. It functions autonomously without human control.

Previously, New York City also purchased two robotic dogs called ‘Digidog’ to deploy in high-crime areas. These robots move on four legs and have excellent agility and mobility. Their top speed is 4.8 km/h, comparable to a fast adult walking pace. They can carry loads of up to 14 kg and serve as reconnaissance or surveillance dogs with cameras and lights installed on their backs.

The New York Police explained, "They are ideal for deployment in dangerous incident sites such as hostage negotiations or areas with chemical or radiation leaks." The city spent $750,000 (980.25 million KRW) to purchase the two Digidogs.

At the time of purchase, there was controversy due to concerns that they could be misused for lethal or surveillance purposes. Civic groups criticized, saying, "These are things that belong in bad science fiction and are ruining the public safety system," and pointed out, "Mayor Adams is cutting budgets for libraries and city agencies while investing in robots." They emphasized, "The budget should be allocated to more verified areas."