Written by Matthew Swigonski | Published
Are we headed for a dystopian future where an extreme AI network develops the power to control every aspect of our lives, using an army of mindless robots to ensure that people are kept safe and obey our default boss? We may not be there yet, but one prison in Georgia may have started the clock, sending a small team of three robots in an effort to create a “safer, more efficient” environment inside its correctional facility.
Although the three robots lack the intelligence to think on their own, their creator believes that the technology could end up being viewed as “important” in the near future.
See the robots in action in the video below.
An Effort to Maintain Order and Safety
Located in Marietta, Georgia, the County Sheriff’s Office currently houses approximately 3,000 inmates within its one million square foot facility, making it a challenge to keep inmates safe and ensure that order is maintained at all times. Despite being accredited by the American Correctional Association for its ability to maintain high security standards, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office jail has taken incredible steps to keep its facility in good working order.
On October 23, the County Sheriff’s Office jail held a ceremony to unveil three new robots, designed to improve security within their facility by using them for patrols and security checks. According to Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens, this is the first time in history that the jail has deployed a robotics team to assist with security measures.
Is It More Effective Than Personal Safety?
“I think we can work smarter with technology and not harder,” Owens said during the event. “It allows me to move staff from other areas within the facility to do more things.” Owens said he believes prison robots will be able to complete tasks faster and more efficiently than their human counterparts.
“Here’s the good thing, robots don’t call in sick, they don’t take vacations,” said Owens. “All they have to do is charge.” Despite the glowing praise of prison robots, Owens maintains that robots are not here to fully take over human jobs.
Robots
The prison robots were designed by DEKA Research and Development, a New Hampshire-based company that specializes in developing regenerative technologies, organ preservation, mobility enhancement, and autonomous robots.
The machines stand about six meters tall and are equipped with 360 cameras, night vision, and even heat detection equipment to provide continuous surveillance and real-time communication with human operators.
Robots are equipped with dual abilities. They can be programmed to move freely throughout the prison independently while being controlled by a local operator who can perform complex tasks within the facility. The robots come with three sets of wheels to facilitate more mobility within the prison.
Currently, the program to use prison robots will only last 90 days as a trial, but depending on the outcome of the case, the robots could become a permanent feature inside the prison. According to Owens, he believes the presence of the robots will create a safer environment for both inmates and his deputies while reducing the occurrence of human error during routine operations. Through their partnership with DEKA, prison robots will come free while trying to find out if these robots can handle the job.
Source: Fox 5 Atlanta
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