By Matthieu Swigonski | Published
Are we heading towards a dystopian future where an authoritarian AI network develops the ability to control every facet of our lives, employing an army of mindless robots to ensure that humans remain in control and obey our eventual automated overlord? We may not be there yet, but a Georgia prison may have started the clock, deploying a small team of three prison robots in an effort to create a “safer and more efficient” environment in the within his correctional establishment.
Even though the trio of robots lack the intelligence to think for themselves, their creator believes that the technology could eventually be considered “indispensable” in the very near future.
See the robots in action in the video below.
An attempt to maintain order and security
Located in Marietta, Georgia, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office currently holds approximately 3,000 inmates in its one million square foot facility, making it difficult to keep inmates safe and ensure that the order at any time. Although it is accredited by the American Correctional Association for its ability to maintain a high level of security standards, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Jail has taken a drastic step to ensure its facilities operate smoothly.
On October 23, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Jail held a ceremony to unveil three new jail robots, designed to enhance security inside its facilities by using them for perimeter patrols and security checks. According to Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens, this is the first time in history that a jail has deployed a team of robots to help with security measures.
More effective than human security?
“I think we can work smarter with technology, not harder,” Owens said during the ceremony. “It allows me to move labor from other locations 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 a good thing, robots don’t call in sick, they don’t take vacations,” Owens said. “All they have to do is get charged.” » Despite the glowing praise of prison robots, Owens remains adamant that robots are not here to entirely take over the work of humans.
The robots
The prison robots are designed by DEKA Research and Development, a New Hampshire-based company specializing in developing technologies for regenerative manufacturing, organ preservation, mobility enhancement and autonomous robotics.
The machines stand nearly six feet tall and are equipped with 360 cameras, night vision, and even heat-sensing optics to provide continuous monitoring and real-time communications with human staff members.
The robots have dual abilities. They can be programmed to move freely around the prison autonomously while also being controlled by an on-site operator who can perform more complex tasks inside the facility. The robots are equipped with three sets of wheels to promote more mobility inside the prison.
For now, the prison’s robot deployment program will only last 90 days on a trial basis, but depending on the outcome of the trial, the robots could become a permanent fixture inside the prison. According to Owens, he believes the presence of the robots will create a safer environment for inmates and his deputies while also reducing the occurrence of human errors during routine tasks. Through their trial partnership with DEKA, the prison’s robots will be provided free of charge while they try to determine if they are capable of doing the job.
Source: Fox 5 Atlanta