Police Robots in China

On November 7th, China announced that it will build an AI police station, that is completely unmanned, in Wuhan. This police station will generally only handle vehicle and driver related incidents, making it closer to a DMV than an actual police station. Building and opening an unmanned police station is still a major advancement for China who plans on being the world’s leader in AI by 2030.

Caijing Neican, a Chinese financial paper, reports the station will use advanced facial recognition systems to identify citizens within the station and access all important data. The report also states that the station will offer simulated driving tests and provide registration services.

Police stations around the world have robots they use to make their jobs easier. Now with China advancing to complete autonomy, the question is raised, how soon will the rest of the world follow?

These automated systems and robots seem like they would be a smooth transition and ease a lot of headaches for workers and consumers. However, if automation continues to take over every day jobs, how will this affect unemployment and education?

An Oxford University study done in 2013 predicted 47% of jobs will be automated in the next 20 years. This can be noticed daily with the automation of manufacturing, secretaries, cashiers and infrastructure. There is now a hotel in New York City that can be run entirely with AI, they keep a few human workers in case some guests lose faith in the robots.

Irakli Beridze, senior strategic advisor for the UN Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, told a Dutch newspaper, de Telegraaf, while acknowledging the possible negative effects AI can cause, “We certainly do not want to plead for a ban or brake on technologies. We will also explore how new technology can contribute to sustainable development goals for the U.N. For this we want to start concrete projects. We will not be a talking club.”

The harm AI can cause is not only unemployment but if a hacker gains access to a city’s full automated police force, there could be great amounts of damage.

AI is a great advancement in technology and when applicable should be used. However, humans need to keep an eye on the effects the increased amount of automation is having on everyday life. Advancements need to be celebrated and then researched to see the lasting effects they will have on society if implemented widely.