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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Scientists believe police forces could soon be using robots to help tackle crime, turning a concept once seen only in science fiction into reality.
Experts say advanced machines may be deployed for real-world law enforcement within the next two years, potentially boosting efficiency and reducing risks faced by human officers.
The idea closely resembles the classic film Robocop, where a fallen police officer is transformed into a powerful cyborg to fight criminals using enhanced strength and technology.
Professor Ivan Sun from the University of Delaware believes similar systems are on the way. He argues robotic officers could withstand physical attacks, operate without fatigue, and pursue suspects over long distances.
According to his research, police agencies across the globe are showing growing interest in robotics and artificial intelligence. In China, humanoid robots are already assisting with traffic management, while authorities in Thailand have introduced a robot designed to monitor crowds using full 360-degree vision.
In the United States and Singapore, mobile security robots are being used to patrol public spaces such as malls and casinos.
In the UK, the British Transport Police has recently begun using AI-powered facial recognition technology to identify suspects in busy areas.
Prof Sun says future systems could detect weapons from long distances, recognise faces instantly, and make rapid decisions based on real-time data. He believes robotic units will initially work alongside human officers, particularly in high-risk situations.
Speaking at a conference organised by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Arizona, he said the possibilities are vast and no longer theoretical.
He added that robots are already used for tasks like bomb disposal, and extending their role into pursuits and frontline policing is simply the next step in technological evolution.
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