Knightscope, Inc., a developer of autonomous security robots and blue light emergency communication systems, announced that the City of New York Police Department (NYPD) has signed a pilot contract for its K5 robot to begin patrolling in a Manhattan subway station this summer.

The new NYPD project

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Police Commissioner of the City of New York Keechant Sewell and Chief of Department and NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed service member Jeffrey Maddrey spoke about the implementation of new technologies to protect the citizens of New York.

“Technology is here and we cannot be afraid of it,” said Mayor Adams. “We are scanning the globe on finding technology that will ensure this city is safe for New Yorkers, visitors and whomever is here. If we were not willing to move forward and use technology on how to properly keep cities safe, then you will not keep up with those who are doing harmful things to hurt New Yorkers.”

Enhanced security

Knightscope says its technologies have already been successfully deployed by other police departments, with one Los Angeles County, California agency reporting reduced crime in a popular public park following deployment.

The company highlights that its robots are fun, engaging, photographic and respectful of everyone’s privacy, making them ideal candidates to support policing across the US.

“As a native New Yorker, this is a particularly proud and emotional day for me,” said William Santana Li, Chairman and CEO, Knightscope. “From the day of that terrible attack on our city some two decades ago, I dedicated my life to better securing our country. To be trusted with the incredible responsibility of helping my hometown is truly a dream come true.”