China's residential hub gets first-of-its-kind, high-tech 'robot watchman'
What's the story
A residential community in China's capital Beijing has adopted a first-of-its-kind "robot watchman" that integrates facial recognition, man-machine communication, and infrared thermal imagery, replacing human night patrol. Robot Meibao not only monitors illegal activities but also provides useful information to residents at the Meiyuan community in Beijing, Liu Gangjun, the project director at the Beijing Aerospace Automatic Control Institute (BAACI), said yesterday. Here's more.
Information
Robot Meibao developed to replace the human night patrol: Liu
The robot is being tested from December 2018 to April 2019, said Liu. It was developed by the BAACI with the support of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, an institute in China's space industry, to replace the human night patrol, he said.
Details
Tech can accurately process the information of pedestrians: BAACI
The technology is a combination of biological recognition, big data analysis, inertial navigation system and other technologies, which can accurately process the information of pedestrians, according to the BAACI. Liu said the institute monitors and records neighborhood conditions. If any suspect shows up in the community, Meibao or similar high-tech door locks would recognize them and the alarm in the department would sound off.
Functions
Robot can also provide weather forecast, play music: Liu
The robot can provide weather forecasts and interesting stories, and even play music, which often attracts many children to talk with it, Liu told state-run Global Times. The institute has launched a project called "intelligent home" involving the robot, facial recognition door locks, digital annunciator board and smart watches designed to record senior citizens' health condition, he further said.
Information
Interestingly, the project has been welcomed by watchmen
The project has been welcomed by watchmen. In recent years, some districts in Beijing have adopted smart digital safeguards services for residents as China pushed Artificial Intelligence products to next stage of development to boost the slowing economy, which last year posted a 6.6% growth.