Robot dogs and AI to improve US border security
The US Customs and Border Protection partnered with AI tech firm Pangiam and Ghost Robotics to enhance border security. These organizations will work together to introduce robot dogs and AI inspectors to spot suspicious activity. Soon, other governments may deploy similar systems to secure their citizens from foreign threats.
It seemed silly to have something like the movie character Robocop secure our territories, but here we are. As more countries face more illegal immigrants, those nations may need the unconventional security boost from artificial intelligence. Stay tuned to this report because you might find your local police officers working with these machines!
This article will discuss the CBP’s plan to improve the United State’s border security with AI and robot dogs. Later, I will show you other examples of AI security.
How will robot dogs and AI secure the border?
Homeland Security is testing robot dogs at the U.S.-Mexico border. They are made by Ghost Robotics, which has equipped some of its robots with guns.
— AJ+ (@ajplus) February 21, 2022
DHS claims they could be a "best friend" to Border Patrol agents, whom groups accuse of "grievous" abuses against asylum seekers. pic.twitter.com/TuiCAi5len
The trade and travel technology company Pangiam will provide the US Customs and Border Protection with a cutting-edge technology called Pangiam Bridge. It is an AI that will “allow customs officials to automate portions of the customs inspection process for baggage, conveyances, and containers.”
It will also scan vehicles and cargo crossing the US-Mexico border for unusual patterns. The company worked with West Virginia University to research and develop this new AI.
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Also, Interesting Engineering said the CBP partnered with Ghost Robotics to develop mechanical canines to transmit real-time video and data while navigating rough terrains.
The robot dogs would likely roam the border searching for hidden crooks and notify border security. Moreover, the CBP implemented license plate readers and facial recognition systems at checkpoints.
Axios also said US Border Security is working with the global supply chain tracking startup Altana to crack down on the illegal drug fentanyl. It will track down precursor chemicals to prevent criminals from producing the substance.
Other robot security measures
San Francisco votes to allow police to deploy robots that kill https://t.co/aJEkk71sjB pic.twitter.com/4CH057Pyl0
— New York Post (@nypost) November 30, 2022
The San Francisco Police Department also had tech upgrades. Instead of robot dogs, it gained new permissions for its arm robots to use deadly force in emergency situations.
The SFPD filed the proposal in response to California Assembly Bill 481, which requires police to have a written inventory of military equipment. They listed various guns, vehicles, and 17 robots. Only 12 fully function, and they are for detecting and disposing of bombs.
The recent amendment allows SFPD to use these robots to take lives to save others. In other words, that means the police may arm these robots with explosives.
SFPD spokesperson Allison Maxie emphasized, “Robots equipped in this manner would only be used in extreme circumstances to save or prevent further loss of innocent lives.” Also, the San Francisco Police may arm them with explosives “to contact, incapacitate, or disorient violent, armed, or dangerous suspects.”
On the other side of the world, Singapore’s Changi Airport added two patrol robots to help frontline robots. According to the Channel News Asia website, these robots were prototypes from Project MATAR (Multi-purpose All-Terrain Autonomous Robot). As the name suggests, these machines patrol Changi Airport without human controllers.
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These police robots have a camera with a 360-degree field of view. It is on an extendable mast that can reach up to 2.3 meters, giving officers a wider view of the robot’s surroundings.
In other words, these robots serve as extra eyes on the ground. Also, civilians may push a button on the front of the robot to contact airport police directly.
Then, an operations room officer will respond immediately. These police robots also broadcast audio messages with their speakers and display warnings on their LCD panels.
Conclusion
The US Customs and Border Protection worked with several tech firms to upgrade its security measures. It worked with Pangiam to provide customs officials with AI scanners to detect suspicious cargo.
Ghost Robotics will give them robot dogs that could patrol the border and inform officers of suspicious activity. Also, Altana will help the CBP prevent illegal drug production.
Artificial intelligence and robotics may soon secure your borders, too. Prepare for such a future by checking the latest digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.
