In New York City, a robot cop will patrol the Times Square underground station

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has begun testing a K5 robot to patrol the Times Square underground station to improve safety.

Here's What We Know

K5 is created by Knightscope, looks like a massive version of R2-D2 and weighs 420kg.

It is equipped with four cameras to record video without sound. For two months, K5 will patrol the station from midnight to 6am.

For the first two weeks, the robot will only map the station and navigate the main areas without entering the platforms.

According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, K5 will capture video to investigate incidents. The robot has no facial recognition system.

K5 cannot prevent or respond to crimes in real time. The only help is to report an incident via a button.

The city rents the robot for $9 an hour. The mayor is confident it will justify its cost.

Source: Engadget