This is an archive article published on February 24, 2019
Take 5: ‘With use of facial recognition, the robot can block a person if required’
The Kerala Police has become the first police force in the country to induct a robot.
Written by Shaju PhilipFebruary 24, 2019 12:33 AM IST
2 min read
Whatsapp
twitter
Facebook
Reddit
KP-Bot
The Kerala Police has become the first police force in the country to induct a robot. Deployed at the police HQ in Thiruvananthapuram, KP-Bot is modelled after a woman sub-inspector. It was developed by Kochi-based Asimov Robotics Pvt Ltd in association with Cyberdome, Kerala Police’s research centre.
Manoj Abraham, ADG, Kerala Police
Why was a robot inducted into the police force?
The Kerala Police is adopting technology to improve policing. This is the first research project. We are planning to use robots for traffic control and bomb disposal in the future.
The robot can identify people through facial recognition system and give the answers which we have already been fed. Through facial recognition, the robot would recognise senior officials and salute them. It will greet others by saying ‘Hi!’. At present, the robot can recognise 10 top officers at the headquarters and the number would increase in the coming days.
Will the robot be taught to do other things?
KP-Bot’s efficiency will improve over time. We plan to add more features such as voice recognition and video conferencing. With help of the facial recognition camera and training, it can block a person if required.
Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India.
Expertise, Experience, and Authority
Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment.
Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes:
Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration.
Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules.
Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More