SINGAPORE: Two innovative patrol robots, dubbed GIBSON, are currently trialling at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Airport Police Division. With functionalities that allow them to autonomously patrol and serve as ride-hailing devices for police officers, these robots represent a significant leap towards integrating technology within law enforcement.
What is GIBSON?
The GIBSON robot, named in honour of Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson, the inventor of the first motorised scooter, has been on trial since early July 2024. Developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) in partnership with the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research, this robot aims to improve police presence and officer mobility in bustling airport environments.
Dual Functionality
- Autonomous Patrol: Equipped with advanced cameras and 3D LiDAR technology, GIBSON can navigate safely, avoiding obstacles and stopping when people are detected in its path.
- Ride-Hailing Feature: Officers can summon GIBSON to their location via a personal key and an internal app, allowing them to ride it to different areas across the airport efficiently.
Enhancing Operational Readiness
Superintendent of Police Patrick Pang highlighted how GIBSON’s functionality enhances the mobility of officers, allowing them to focus solely on incident responses without the distraction of needing to locate a robot for transportation. In tests, the ride-hailing function has proven smooth, making it an effective tool for those on the ground.
The Future of Policing with Robots
As technology continues to evolve, GIBSON signifies a shift towards more integrated robotic systems within policing. Seah Qi Yan from HTX mentioned the ambition of developing robots that not only function autonomously but also respond dynamically to their surroundings, thus fostering a more collaborative approach between human officers and technology.
Conclusion
While the robots are still undergoing trials, the future looks promising for the utilisation of robotics in improving the efficacy of law enforcement at venues like Changi Airport. With GIBSON leading the charge, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach in leveraging technology for enhanced public safety.