China's latest robot police officer can recognise faces

It's no RoboCop, but it'll come when it senses trouble.

China's new robot police officers have started patrolling streets.

The E-Patrol Robot Sheriff (E巡机器警长) is able to track and follow potential criminals or suspicious people via facial recognition, according to the Economic Daily.

Besides fighting crime, the robot officer is also capable of monitoring air quality and temperature, and is pipped to be able to track potential criminal activity, safety hazards and potential fires.

The 1.6 meter-tall robot moves autonomously using a system of cameras, and is currently at the Zhengzhou East Railway Station in Henan, where it is able to identify staff at the station by their work passes. Read more...